SLeDU Music Awards 2026: Drizilik Leads with Seven Nominations

The 2026 Sierra Leone DJs Union National Music Awards for outstanding achievement are out, and Drizilik tops the list with seven nominations.

Image: SLeDU National Music Awards 2026

The National Music Awards, launched in 2022 by the Sierra Leone DJs Union (SLeDU), are an annual entertainment awards dedicated to honouring outstanding achievements across multiple genres and categories, including artistry, songwriting, production, collaboration, and live performance.

Drizilik’s seven nominations span multiple high-profile categories, recognising both his artistry and impact on music.

Full List of Nominations

Drizilik has been nominated in the following categories:

• Best Male Artist of the Year
• Best Hip Hop Artist of the Year
• Best Hip Hop Song of the Year – “Sabi Road”
• Album of the Year – “Wait and See” EP
• Best Collaboration of the Year – “E Sweet” (Itribe ft. Drizilik)
• Best Collaboration of the Year – “Lemonade” (Drizilik ft. The Therapist)
• Best Live Performance Act

A Defining Year: “Wait and See” and Chart-Topping Records

Image: Drizilik’s Four National Entertainment Awards in 2019

Born Benjamin Menelik George, Drizilik is an award-winning Sierra Leonean musician. His unique, organic blend of Krio and contemporary genres helped spark a revival of Krio fusion, establishing him as a cultural ambassador and defining voice in keeping Sierra Leonean music original and true to its roots.

His critically acclaimed “Wait and See” EP has been widely praised for its introspective storytelling, production quality, and bold sonic direction. 

The successful project, released in January 2025, has over 5 million streams across all streaming platforms and topped the streaming chart for Sierra Leone across all platforms in its first three weeks of release.

His nominated single, “Sabi Road”, which earned him an invite to Mr. Eazi’s Detty Rave continues to resonate strongly with fans for its relatable message and Krio lyrical authenticity, while “E Sweet” – his collaboration with Itribe has become both a fan favourite and a successful hit.

You don’t have to wait for the SLeDu Awards to see Drizilik live on stage. You can catch Drizilik live in concert in Tombo on March 21, 2026, at Edma’s Night Club, and in Makeni on April 4, 2026, at Makeni City Plaza.  

Building a Legacy on the Back of Krio Fusion

Drizilik, who rose to prominence in 2015 with his breakthrough hit single ‘Pop Collar,’ is no stranger to recognition from the Sierra Leone DJs Union, as well as other national and international awards.

In 2019, his successful first studio album, ‘Shukubly’, earned him four honours at the 2019 National Entertainment Awards, winning Album of the Year, Best Afro Hip Hop Artiste of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Best Live Performer. 

Adding to his success in 2019, he also won the artist of the year award from All Works of Life (AWOL). 

Drizilik’s take on ‘Krio fusion’ has made him a firm fan favourite, becoming Sierra Leone’s most-streamed sound in recent years.