By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a remarkable show of support for the creative industry in Sierra Leone, Sheik Mohamed Kamara, widely known as Jagaban, has provided the ‘‘Eastern Artistes’ Union’’ with its first-ever official office space. This milestone, celebrated 25th February 2025, represents a historic achievement for the union and a significant step towards strengthening the arts community in the eastern part of Freetown.
The Eastern Artistes’ Union, established with the goal of empowering local artistes and fostering collaboration, has long sought a dedicated space where artistes can meet, share ideas, and promote their work. Thanks to the generous contribution of Jagaban, the union now has a formal headquarter to facilitate its operations and provide artistes with the resources they need to succeed. The new office space is expected to serve as a hub for creativity, networking, and professional development in the region.
During the official unveiling of the office space, one of Sierra Leone’s most renowned superstars, Innocent Kuti, praised Jagaban for his unwavering support of the arts and culture in Sierra Leone. Kuti, known for his immense contribution to the country’s music scene, expressed his gratitude and admiration for Jagaban’s initiative. He emphasized the significance of the new office in empowering Eastern Sierra Leone’s artisets and creating a platform for collaboration and growth.
“This is a historic moment for us as artistes in the Eastern part of Freetown,” said Innocent Kuti. “We now have a space where we can come together to collaborate, build our craft, and take our work to the next level. Jagaban’s support shows that he believes in the power of the arts to bring change, and we are grateful for his leadership.”
Kuti also urged others to follow Jagaban’s example, encouraging more individuals and organizations to invest in the development of Sierra Leone’s creative industries. “If we want to see more good things happening in our country, we must invest in our artistes,” Kuti continued. “We must create opportunities for growth and provide the resources necessary for our talented young people to thrive. Jagaban has set a great example, and we hope others will follow in his footsteps.”
The provision of this office space is a significant boost to the Eastern Artistes’ Union, which has faced challenges in securing a permanent base for its operations. With the new headquarters, the union can now host events, workshops, and training sessions, ultimately helping local artistes gain the exposure and support they need to succeed in a competitive industry.
Jagaban’s contribution is seen as part of a larger effort to uplift the creative sector in Sierra Leone and create a more sustainable environment for artistes to flourish. By providing resources and promoting collaboration, he has set the stage for a brighter future for the arts in the country.
In conclusion, the Eastern Artistes’ Union’s new office space marks a major milestone in the development of the creative industry in Sierra Leone. With strong backing from figures like Jagaban, the union is poised to grow and make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Sierra Leone.
