By Alpha Amadu Jalloh, Author of “Monopoly of Happiness: Unveiling Sierra Leone’s Social Imbalance”
Yes, Salone bloggers, TikTokers, and content creators, “unakushe o”. I greet you with both admiration and deep concern. You might think I’m making a mockery of your hustle, your grind, and your consistency on the timelines of Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. But let me be clear: this is not mockery. It is disappointment wrapped in truth, served on the plate of bitter reality.
After all you have done, all you have posted, all the narratives you’ve spun in favour of this government and their political allies, what has it earned you? Let’s face it, una kushe aw markit!
Let’s begin with the elephant in the room, the controversy that should have had all of you rallying with one voice. I’m talking about the invitation of Amadou Elizabeth Aminata “Jadrolita” widely known as “Jarvis”, a controversial Nigerian blogger and influencer by the Sierra Leone State House, not just anywhere, but for engagement with our school children.
a woman whose name has echoed in scandals related to sexual misconduct and internet controversy is now being used to “inspire” Sierra Leonean children? Are you serious, State House?
Myke Berewa, the Communication Director at State House, must explain this to us like we are five. Because there’s no rational explanation for flying in someone like that, allegedly with government resources, when we have an entire ocean of local talent, thought leaders, and influencers right here at home.
The irony? The same government that benefits from the daily social media activism of Sierra Leonean bloggers and TikTokers, the Vicky Romeos, the Empress Pee Yees, the Sarah Kallons, the Sparkling Limas, and the bloggers like SahrIbrahim Kamara (Talks with Sahr), and Musa Conteh, turns around and snubs them for foreign content creators whose only link to Sierra Leone is the potential to cause chaos or trend for all the wrong reasons.
The lady herself , the Nigerian blogger in question, confirmed publicly that she was invited by the Sierra Leone government. Meanwhile, the same government is denying the whole arrangement. But it’s there on social media, the videos, the speeches, the fanfare. Who are they trying to fool?
Let me say it louder for those in the back: you’re not being elevated, you’re being used. The moment you’re no longer politically or socially convenient, they’ll drop you like a hot stone.
This government and many of its predecessors have mastered the act of using diasporans and local social media voices as mere megaphones to promote selfish agendas. They don’t see you as partners; they see you as pawns.
Some of you go online every day throwing insults, inciting tribal hatred, tearing down fellow Sierra Leoneans in the name of politics. APC this. SLPP that. North versus South. Temne versus Mende. All for what? A bag of rice? A T-shirt? An empty promise?
And for those in the diaspora, some of whom are the loudest online, do you realize you are being played from both sides?
You don’t get the development your people back home need, and you don’t even get proper recognition where you live. Double wahala!
Let’s not forget the President’s daughter’s engagement party, a private affair paid for with allegedly ill-gotten wealth from Jos Leijdekkers, a known international drug dealer. What happened?
International musicians Tiwa Savage and Tyra Starr, were flown into Sierra Leone in private jets. For one night, they were paid a staggering $150,000 USD. Yes, for just one night.
Meanwhile, our own talented musicians like Drizilik, FantaceeWiz, Emmerson, Rozzy, and Star Zee struggle for support. Even the recently resurgent Daddy Saj could use some of that attention and funding. Where’s the appreciation for our own?
Let me ask the obvious: If that $150,000 had been distributed among ten of our local artists , each getting $15,000, how far would that have gone to boost the creative industry in Sierra Leone? How many music videos, school fees, community projects, studio sessions, and charity donations would have come out of it?
And just to test your integrity, bloggers and influencers, let me flip the question back at you: What if it were you who was given that infamous $52,000 envelope, the one allegedly given to another influencer “Jarvis” from Nigeria?
Would you still speak truth to power? Would you stand tall against injustice? Would you still think like a patriotic Sierra Leonean? Some of you would trade your entire audience for that money and vanish for a month. That’s the truth. We must interrogate our loyalty, is it to Sierra Leone or to the highest bidder?
We cannot continue like this. If you truly believe in the power of your voice, and I believe many of you do, then use that voice to unite rather than divide. Stop being a political errand boys and girls.
You have platforms that reach thousands daily. Use it to: Advocate for quality education, healthcare, and job creation. Expose the corruption eating up the foundation of our country. Highlight the talent, resilience, and creativity of young Sierra Leoneans. Call out any injustice, regardless of political party.
You don’t have to be loud and vulgar to be powerful. Influence is about content, consistency, and courage. And remember, today it’s a Nigerian blogger. Tomorrow, it might be a Ghanaian or South African TikToker invited to sit on panels that should be led by “you”. Will you still be applauding then?
So yes, I say again, una kushe o, una kushe aw markit. Your loyalty is not being reciprocated. Your talent is not being respected. Your sacrifices are not being acknowledged. But it’s not too late. You can take back control. You can choose not to be tools. You can demand space at the table or build your own.
Don’t sell your soul for short-term validation. Demand long-term transformation, for yourselves and for Sierra Leone. And to those in power reading this, respect the voices of Sierra Leoneans first before importing influencers to mislead our youth. We don’t need saviours from abroad. We already have warriors at home.