Fambul dem una kabuh,

It’s your friendly neighborhood #MakeSierraLeoneFamous Campaigner, Vickie. I’m currently in Maryland, where I marked Salone’s Independence Day. I’m thrilled to be back in the DMV (DC, MD, VA); it is the heart of the Sierra Leone-American community here in the US.

Here’s a roundup of good news about Sierra Leoneans at home and in the diaspora.

• Meet the 2024 Vickie Remoe Prize Winners for Journalism and New Media (so proud of them!)

• 24-Year-Old Sierra Leonean inventor Jimmy Thoronka made Forbes 30 Under 30 list for climate and renewable energy leadership.

• Sierra Leone’s top woman in music Star Zee joined other International artists for the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)—the IVLP exchange program fosters direct engagement and enduring connections with Americans.

• Dr. Mark Kapuwa shared that Sierra Leone’s largest referral hospital Connaught now has digitatized medical records (they've added a UPS for power backup).

• A consortium of organizations working to end autism stigma in Sierra Leone held their first charity walk. Over 300 people turned out to support Puzzle Pieces, Life of an Autistic Mom, Autism Society SL.

• Last time you heard from me I told you that Sierra Rutile (the world’s largest rutile producer), based in Sierra Leone, was going through a rough patch. It looks like things are improving. They got a new major stakeholder GEMcorp. Leonoil increased their stake, as well as another Sierra Leonean entity Mano Mining. Mr. Craig Dean over at PRM/Gerald Group who wanted to take over is also still a major shareholder.

  GoSL asked Rutile to resume Area 1, operations by May 31 and it said it would though it's not clear if they will meet the deadline.

• USAID announced that the US Govt has approved an additional funding of $195 million on top of a $217 million loan already approved for Mielle Energy’s Western Area Power Generation Project back in 2021. Of the $195 million, $120 million is political risk insurance to attract private investment. The $412 million package will provide reliable and affordable electricity to the Western Area of Sierra Leone.

• Doubt you’ll be surprised to hear this but down under in Sydney, Australia, Chef Rebecca Koroma, owner of Seasoned Cuisine’s Salone jollof won first place against other countries that don't deserve any mention here. The best part? The competition took place on April 27. Took about a sweet win! Na so e dance for celebrate over on Tiktok.

What’s coming up? 

• Mansa Musu Cosmetics invites you to a shop and ship in Maryland. Meet Founder and MUA Sia Komba and Raise Your Glass to Self-Care, Sip, Slay. Tickets here.

• Siana Bangura’s “Swim Aunty Aunty” featuring the legendary Anni Domingo is coming to a theater near you in Coventry. (May 20-June, tickets here)

Further ahead

Drizilik Live in Howard Theatre, DC

The campaign to Make Sierra Leone Famous in partnership with Humble Management presents Drizilik and the Freetown Uncut Band live in concert live in Washington DC (Howard Theatre, July 6, $40 early bird tickets close this month so get tickets here now). We guarantee 100% enjoyment! You go sing tay you voice cut, dance tay you fut at. 

About Drizilik Live In DC

Multiple-award winning Sierra Leonean musician Drizilik seen on BET Cypher will perform live at the iconic Howard Theatre on July 6. The 2021 MTV Africa Viewers Choice Nominee is known for his captivating live performances. Drizilik combines afrobeats with Sierra Leonean goombay, bubu, milo jazz, and hip-hop, creating a unique fusion of afrosounds. His exceptional songwriting skills, infectious one-liners, and profound cultural metaphors on his award-winning album "Shukubly'' have earned him the title of Sierra Leone's king of new school music. Get your tickets now -www.drizilik.com. For more information about tickets, VIP and anything else contact me.

New in Books, Music, and the Arts

Sierra Leone: The Struggle for Power 1984-2007 by Eddie Momoh

Sierra Leone: The Struggle for Power 1984-2007 is not merely a historical account but a poignant reflection on the underlying causes of the civil war. Momoh raises critical questions about the conflict’s origins, exploring whether it stemmed from resource disputes or genuine desires for political change. Moreover, the book explores the international response to the civil war, highlighting the pivotal role played by the United Kingdom in its resolution. It also pays tribute to President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, whose leadership ushered in an era of peace and reconciliation following the turmoil. 

Sierra Leone’s Entertainment Ambassador, Kao Denero released a new 15-track hip-hop album called Heroes. It was well-received by fans.

A new digital community

I’ve created a new digital community for Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora, a place for Sierra Leoneans abroad to share news and resources and to network. Join Salone DMV, Salone UK, Salone Middle East and Asia, or Salone in the EU. Click to find and join your group. 

Business News

If you don't already know, Make Sierra Leone Famous isn't just a newsletter or a hashtag it's a media network. I host events offline like Drizilik’s concert on July 6 and produce multimedia digital content online like the podcast.

Three weeks ago, I launched a new video season of the Make Sierra Leone Famous Podcast in April. Three episodes of the 12-part season are already out. 

Last week’s episode unpacked “Saloneman Get Badat” through a spiritual lens but the most popular episode so far was “Sex Lives of Uncut Outcasts.” With guests Umu Jalloh, MSW and Leann MaHota Rizk, centered women’s sexual pleasure and liberation, asserting our right to multiple orgasms.  

Join the conversation on Youtube. If you do, leave a comment and most importantly subscribe!

Not the Best, but it was also in the news.

While my goal is to share positive news here, I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t also share Sierra Leone’s lows.

• BBC: Freetown was hit by the worst blackout in years. Everyone felt it. The Minister of Energy resigned, some power was restored but generation will fall short until there are more affordable and renewable options.

• Still to do with power, a Doctor at PCMH the country’s largest maternal health referral hospital raised the alarm as power cuts left her and other medics trying to provide care in the dark. PCMH and all hospitals need larger renewable energy solutions. FCDO through Se4all has installed solar panels in six hospitals including PCMH but they offer just five hours of light daily.

Work with me.

If you like the writing and curation in this newsletter, imagine what it could do for you. I work as a publish and comms strategist at VRC MKTG. I offer content and copywriting services in the form of blogs, social media posts, newsletters, and more. Ask me how.

Until next time, continue to #MakeSierraLeoneFamous for the right reasons. Use #MakeSierraLeoneFamous on social media or email me. I amplify Sierra Leonean excellence and good news at home and abroad.

Tenki en Tata!

*Feel free to share this newsletter with your friends or its content on your socials and WhatsApp.

PS—Please remember to save my email address by adding me to your contacts so the following newsletter can reach you. If you would rather not receive any more updates, please feel free to unsubscribe.