By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The much-anticipated ECOFEST 2024, ‘The Illumination’ event held December 20, and 21st 2024, concluded with an uplifting awards ceremony at the AYV Entertainment Hall, where winners of various competitions were celebrated for their exceptional talents.
Chief Executive Officer of ECOFEST, Mrs. Hawawa Hawa Turay, addressed the eager audience, congratulating participants and acknowledging their dedication to making the festival a resounding success.
ECOFEST not only serves as a vibrant cultural exchange platform across Africa but also stands as a symbol of unity, showcasing the immense talent embedded in Sierra Leone. “This edition has illuminated our cultural landscape and elevated Sierra Leone’s profile on the African stage,” Mrs. Turay noted, expressing her gratitude to event sponsors and partners for their vital support.
Highlighting the evening, Rosetta Sylvaina Dumbuya was crowned the winner of Miss ECOFEST 2024, receiving NLe50,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai.
The promising final-year Linguistics student aspires to excel in various fields, including music and entrepreneurship, embodying the festival’s spirit of ambition and creativity.
The competition for Miss ECOFEST saw stiff rivalry, with 1st Runner-Up Sasha Sarian Koroma emerging as a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment; and 2nd Runner-Up Alimatu Sylvia Conteh, a model and nature enthusiast dedicated to empowering girls through fashion and creativity.
In the hypeman category, Tiano Nilla Partiezan Savage Cline-Thomas took home the top prize with nine years of entertainment experience, followed by 1st Runner-Up IB Fresh, a multi-talented entertainer; and 2nd Runner-Up Hassan Sesay aka Hypeman Sweet, known for his crowd-pleasing performances.
In the DJ competition, Samuel ‘DJ Sam King’ Kargbo claimed the prestigious title of Sierra Leone’s finest DJ, demonstrating electrifying talent. He was joined on the podium by 1st Runner-Up Foday Massquoi aka DJ Sweet Kiss, and 2nd Runner-Up DJ Vickydinho, who boasts a remarkable background in governance and integrates new talents into the music scene.
ECOFEST, an acronym for ‘ECOWAS Music Festival,’ is a staple in Sierra Leone’s cultural calendar, attracting performers and musicians from across West Africa to celebrate and elevate the region’s vibrant music and culture.
With its largest gathering yet, ECOFEST 2024 reaffirms its commitment to highlight West African artistry and fostering a unified cultural identity.
As the festival continues to grow, so does the anticipation for next year’s iterations, promising even more creativity and inclusivity in celebrating the richness of our collective heritage.
