The Sierra Leone music industry has been struggling to get international recognition in order to compete with its African counterparts. In that drive, many artists have been featuring top African musicians of different genres. Some of these partnerships have produced major hit songs locally, but with little or no impact at the international stage.

One notable stop for Sierra Leonean collaboration is Nigeria, whose artistes have been featured most by Sierra Leonean artistes. The notion for these partnerships is for us to benefit from their huge markets. Many were expecting these international artists to promote and market their projects. If for instance, 2face was to passionately share his collaboration song with Emerson on his social media channels and maybe to radio and TV stations, that would have massively opened doors for Emerson at the international stage. Sadly, things remain the same for our stars. They still can’t break through in the subregion.

Sierra Leonean rapper, Kao Denero featured top Ghanaian rapper – Sarkodie in the song titled ‘Legendary’. This partnership gave hope to the rapper but Sarkodie eventually turned down Kao’s request for a video shoot of ‘Legendary’. Similarly, Emerson couldn’t get the result he wanted in his collaborations with 2face, Timaya and Phyno. The songs were recorded but no promotions from his colleagues. Even Abizzy’s closest relationship with Davido has not allowed him to enter the Nigerian market. Many other Sierra Leonean artists have done so – the likes of Famous, Terror D, Empress P, Boss LA, Nasser Ayoub, Cee Jay, etc.

None of the above has enjoyed any leverage or benefited from his or her partnership with an African artist as Star Zee does with Stonebwoy. Apart from Star Zee’s lyrical quality, it takes Someone like Stonebwoy (with the passion and clean heart) to promote another African.

The Ghanaian top afropop, reggae and dancehall artiste – Livingstone Etse Satekla aka Stonebwoy, came to know about the DOZ-CABAAL heavyweight (Sierra Leonean rapper and dancehall artist), Linda Samai, also dubbed as Star Zee aka Queen Kong or Star Majestiq Star Zee during his tour in Australia two years ago. Stonebwoy bumped into a Sierra Leonean named Golden Ray, playing some Sierra Leonean songs. Upon listening to one of Star Zee’s song, he was amazed at her talent and he requested to meet with her. This resulted to a big collaboration (Leader II) which was recorded in Ghana, plus a video.  ‘Leader II’ came out as one of the biggest songs in the late 2017. Stonebwoy also performed at Star Zee’s concert at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown, in December 2017. During his stage performance, Stonebwoy pleaded to Sierra Leoneans to respect and support Star Zee’s talent. The show was a massive success.

Unlike other African artists, Stonebwoy keeps promoting Star Zee in his social media handles. He has opened more networks for her in the Ghanian media and beyond.

In his latest music concert – ‘Ashaiman To Da World’ hosted at the Ashaiman region, Southern Accra,  Ghana  on the 27th October 2018, Stonebwoy presented Star Zee on stage and also introduced her to the Bhim Nation fans and people of Ghana, not only as a top Sierra Leonean female rapper and dancehall star, but as a top female MC in Africa. He showered Star Zee with love to the imagination of many Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad. The over 50,000 fans repeatedly shouted her name alongside with Stonebwoy. Star Zee wrapped it up with a superb performance, probably the best so far from a Sierra Leonean this year. She lit up the stage and amplified the entire Ashaiman.

Few minutes later, the Ghanian media (both traditional and social media) was talking about Star Zee’s talent and performance. She became the new chef in Accra, Ghana.

Stonebwoy has already connected Star Zee with the Ghanian media, especially the TV channels in Ghana. Many artists approached her for a collabo after her wonderful performance. A top Ghanian producer named Street Beat offered Star Majestiq with two free songs to be recorded in Ghana. Her visit should have lasted for three days but was prolonged for more than a week in order to complete her work with top stars and the media.  She was interviewed by various radio and TV stations in Ghana before she returned back to Sierra Leone.

Star Zee’s recent growth can be tagged to her long time friend and manager – Mohamed Nabay aka Don Mystiq, once a Sierra Leonean rapper who gave up his career to focus on Star Zee. He is working tremendously hard to see the artiste eclipse to the highest peak in her career. He is a big player in Star Zee’s international breakthrough.

Sierra Leone music lovers have so far opined that Star Zee has enjoyed the best partnership with an international act more than any other Sierra Leonean artist.

By Ibrahim Sorious Samura