Sierra Leone to Host One Nation Reggae Festival Celebrating African–Caribbean Unity

Sierra Leone is getting ready to host a major event that will bring the heartbeat of Africa and the Caribbean together. The One Nation Reggae Festival, officially launched by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on October 17, 2025, will take place from November 25 to 30 and is set to become one of the biggest cultural celebrations in the country.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, said the festival is more than just music, it’s about reconnecting two regions with shared history and culture.

“This is not just a concert. It’s a movement that celebrates our identity, freedom, and unity,” she said.

The One Nation Reggae Festival will bring top reggae stars from Jamaica, including Sizzla Kalonji, Christopher Martin, Jah Thunder, Didier Awadi, and Arkane, who will perform alongside Sierra Leone’s own reggae talents. The six-day event will feature concerts, heritage tours, workshops, and community activities that celebrate peace, love, and culture.

Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

The One Nation Reggae Festival will run for six exciting days, each offering a unique experience that blends music, culture, and history.

The celebration will kick off on November 25th, 2025 with an official opening and recognition ceremony to honor reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lucky Dube, Bunny Wailer, and Sierra Leone’s own Amara Kabba. This opening day will set the tone for a week dedicated to unity, heritage, and music that connects generations.

On November 26, the spotlight will turn to history with the Freedom Heritage Tour, retracing Sierra Leone’s connection to the transatlantic slave trade. Participants will visit key historical sites in Sierra Leone which is sure to bring the nation’s past to life through storytelling sessions.

November 27 will focus on creativity and collaboration through the Music Clinic and Industry Exchange. This session will bring together international producers and Sierra Leonean artists to share ideas, strengthen skills, and promote a uniquely Sierra Leonean reggae sound.

The energy will rise on November 28 during the Main Reggae Concert at Sugar Land Beach. Local and international acts will take the stage to deliver electrifying performances that celebrate love, peace, and togetherness.

On November 29, the festival will take reggae to the streets with Community Reggae Day at Ferry Junction, followed by a relaxed Beach Brunch at Mozza Beach where fans can interact with guest artists in a more casual setting.

The grand finale on November 30 will be the All-White Heritage Celebration at Bunce Island, a symbolic and emotional close to the festival. This event will serve as a moment of reflection and unity, honoring the memory of enslaved Africans who were once taken from that very island and reminding everyone of the deep historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

One Reggae Festival Logo

According to Minister Tunis, Bunce Island will serve as the emotional center of the festival, a place to remember enslaved Africans who were taken from Sierra Leone centuries ago.

“This is about reconnecting with our roots and reminding the world that our culture is strong, proud, and united,” she said.

The Ministry has already started building excitement with weekly reggae shows that showcase rising local artists, including Dallas Bantan and others. These performances aim to promote a unique Sierra Leonean reggae sound that blends local rhythm, language, and storytelling.

Tourism Director Mohamed Jalloh praised the initiative, calling it “a bold step in bridging Africa and the Caribbean through music and creativity.”

He shared how his visit to Jamaica felt like visiting a brotherly home. “The people, the energy, it all reminded me of Sierra Leone. This festival will bring us even closer,” he said.

The festival is expected to attract tourists, investors, and cultural enthusiasts from across the world, boosting Sierra Leone’s image as a peaceful and vibrant destination. It also highlights Bunce Island as a powerful historical link between Africa and the Caribbean.

Permanent Secretary Judith Jones described the initiative as “a moment of pride for Sierra Leone,” adding that it represents peace, unity, and national identity.

As the countdown begins, anticipation continues to grow. The One Nation Reggae Festival promises not only great music and culture but also a celebration of shared history and the unbreakable bond between Africa and the Caribbean truly living up to its theme: One Nation, One Love, One Vibe.