In a small corner of Old Railway Line Shell in Freetown, Sheka Kallon found his calling — a world of colors, imagination, and creativity.

Kallon is a painter who blends abstract and mural art into deeply personal expressions of identity. 

Yet, his journey to becoming an artist wasn’t paved with obvious encouragement or material support. Instead, it was built through quiet resilience, a sharp eye for beauty, and an unwavering passion for creation.

“Keep smiling” mural done by Kallon

Finding Friendship Through Art

For Kallon, painting isn’t just an activity; it’s a way of life. He traces his love for art back to his early school days at the Ahmadiyya Muslim School, where he quickly realized that painting could open unexpected doors.

“Painting helped me a lot back then. People used to come close to me because of my sketches. I made a lot of friends through my art,” Kallon shared.

One of his biggest influences? His father. Although financial support wasn’t something Kallon received, the advice from his dad became his biggest treasure.

“My dad didn’t support me financially, but the advice he gave me helped me greatly,” he said with gratitude.

Sheaka Kallon in his studio

Turning Mockery Into Motivation

But like many artists, Kallon faced challenges growing up.

“Friends would mock me,” he said.

 “They’d say, ‘Sheka, you love sitting all by yourself, always with a paper and pen.'”

Yet that time spent alone, lost in sketches and ideas, was exactly what nurtured his talent and sharpened his focus.

When you talk to Kallon about what inspires him, his pride for Sierra Leone shines through.

“Sierra Leone has one of the best cultures. The people love one another. And you can’t truly understand how beautiful Sierra Leone is until you climb some hilltops and see the scenic views and landscapes—it’s so inspiring and colorful,” he said.

A painting called “Sampa Dance” done by Kallon

The Heart of a True Artist

Kallon’s creative spirit is fueled by a desire to always outdo himself.

“Whenever I hold a paper to sketch, I think about outdoing myself,” he explained.

Even when he meets other artists, he’s fully committed to learning:

“If I see someone painting, I can sit there the whole day just watching, even if I was sent on an errand!” he laughed.

A waterfall mural done by Sheka Kallon

His sharp memory plays a big role too—capturing scenes mentally and later sketching them at home. His works often reflect the richness of Africa and the stories of his roots.

Through all the challenges, mockery, and moments of solitude, Kallon stayed true to his passion. Today, he continues to use his brush to celebrate Sierra Leone’s breathtaking culture, landscapes, and spirit.

As we celebrate our nation’s journey, it’s artists like Kallon who remind us that creativity, resilience, and love for our roots are powerful forces that will always keep Sierra Leone shining.

A painting called “Bondo Dance” done by Sheka Kallon

Click the link to watch Sheaka Kallon’s Story