The first release from OneField – Citizens Lens is here, and we’re kicking things off with a deep dive into Freetown’s music scene.
Music is more than entertainment—it is culture, identity, and a reflection of how communities connect. To better understand the city’s musical preferences, we asked residents across Freetown a simple question:
“Who is your favorite artist in Sierra Leone right now?”
The results place LAJ at the top, with 11.4% of respondents naming the singer and rapper as their current favorite artist. The findings also showcase the diversity of Sierra Leone’s music landscape, where established names such as Emmerson, Steady Bongo, and K-Man continue to enjoy strong support alongside newer stars like Legacy Boi.
Yet the story extends beyond the rankings. While dozens of artists received recognition, nearly one-third of Freetown residents reported that they either do not listen to Salone music or do not currently have a favorite artist. This points to a significant segment of the population that remains disconnected from the local music scene.
The findings offer a unique snapshot of what Freetown is listening to today—and who is shaping the city’s current musical conversation.
FIELDWORK IN FREETOWN: Stories Behind the Data
Enumerator engaging with residents during OneField – Citizens Lens fieldwork across Freetown communities.
ALL-TIME FAVORITE ARTISTS IN SIERRA LEONE
Current popularity tells one story. Lasting influence tells another.
To explore the artists who have left the deepest mark on Sierra Leone’s cultural landscape, we asked residents a second question:
“Who is your all-time favorite Sierra Leonean artist?”
The results reveal more than a list of popular names—they highlight the artists whose music has transcended generations and remained culturally relevant over time.
While LAJ continues to feature prominently, the deeper story lies in the audiences behind the votes. Emmerson maintains a powerful legacy among Millennials, while Famous enjoys broad support across generations and among female listeners. Meanwhile, cultural icons such as Kao Denero, K-Man, and Steady Bongo continue to command respect and admiration throughout the city.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking finding is that nearly three in ten residents either do not listen to Salone music or do not have an all-time favorite artist. This trend is most pronounced among women and older generations, highlighting a major audience that the industry is still struggling to fully engage.
Data was collected in real-world environments to ensure an authentic and diverse representation of opinions.
Contributors
- Joel Abdulai Kallon — Technical Lead
- Harry Henry Kargbo — Data Management
- Haja Binta Bah — Data Cleaning
- Sorie Alfred Dumbuya — Data Review & Editing
- Musa Mansaray — Graphics Design & Data Visualization
- Tracy Jac-During — Data Storytelling & Dissemination
Download the full OneField publication here.
