The looming division among female entertainers in Sierra Leone

Freetown | 4th June 2020 | Vertex Media

Part of the reasons why the entertainment industry in Sierra Leone is lagging behind in Africa is the lack of support, more especially from colleague entertainers in the industry. The hue and cry for international recognition is yet to get the required impacts.

Evident over the years, we have not at anytime gave an overwhelming support to those closer to have a breakthrough. Few often do, majority shy away from recognising one particular act at a particular crucial moment. Be it in the music, modelling, comedy or movie sectors in the industry.

To get things worse, others may be well prepared to bring personal grudges to the media when the person reaches his or her highest peak in his career. This is seen mostly in the music industry. This vicious cycle is more prevalent among female entertainers. Female entertainers are the most vulnerable acts in the industry, especially in the hands of show promoters, managers, DJs and other players. With people in the private sector refusing to invest in entertainment, for a female entertainer to get a breakthrough is so challenging. But sadly enough, they don’t support each other in the industry when the need arises.

For instance, when Star Zee was attracting the African audiences, literally no renowned female celebs stood by her, same as when male artists were doing their own challenge of Tasha’s ‘FREETOWN’ Cover, no top female artist jumped in, only few male artists did. Most recently, popular Actress – Princess Jnap Sesay and and female rapper Natasha Beckley aka Tasha were announced to performed or appear on the ‘HOPE FOR AFRICA’ concert, organised by Africa Magic and DSTv, the anticipated support from female entertainers was not seen. Much was expected from them especially when it was an ‘all-female’ representation for Sierra Leone.

Ironically, many female entertainers and activists are parading themselves on social media, preaching and advocating for women’s recognition, fail to put it in practice. I can only single out a handful of them who supported Princess and Tasha on the recent African concert, the likes of Boss Lady Excel and and Rosaline Tarawally (both are actresses), and Benitah Jay, an upcoming artist. They posted about it on their various social media platforms.

Sample post links by few female celebs:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3291090060903870&id=152353388110902

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3247916161927396&id=112845555434488

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=572807696952990&id=100026712939859&set=a.128109671422797

The event was not given the attention it deserves from the entire industry. There are more classic examples of how female entertainers have failed to support their colleagues in the industry, including the low support shown to Zanaib Sheriff’s Big Sister Show. Most times when they do, they only support based on cabal.

It is important for our female stars and every other entertainers to copy the good examples of other African entertainers, by supporting each other. If it is Mr. or Mrs. A’s time, let’s give it to him or her. Not everyone at every time will take the lead. One at a time till we get there. Let us do it now that few are closed to getting their breakthroughs in Africa. One Industry, One Salone.

By Ibrahim Sorious Samura