By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Rising music star Francis Kelema Reffell, popularly known as Keltony, has been crowned winner of the first edition of Cribs International’s SL Talent Search, earning a record deal and a cash prize of NLe 300,000. The victory marks a significant milestone in the young artiste’s journey, officially bringing him into the Cribs International family as a signed artiste.
Keltony’s triumph over the weekend has sparked excitement across Sierra Leone’s entertainment landscape, with fans and industry players alike acknowledging his raw talent and persistence. However, it has also stirred controversy and claims from some corners of the music scene, particularly from supporters of the Black Leo record label.
Some members of the Black Leo camp, led by rapper Kao Denero, have attempted to associate Keltony’s success with previous collaborations. The two worked together on tracks like “Poison” and “Tonight”—the latter featured on Kao’s underperforming Heroes album. These collaborations have prompted some fans to assert that “na Kao make we sabi Keltony.”
But supporters close to Keltony reject such a narrative, insisting that the young artiste had already been gaining traction independently before those collaborations. “Keltony had banging tracks before ever linking with Kao,” one fan emphasized. “Those features didn’t make him—they just added to his portfolio.”
Perhaps most notably, Keltony reportedly turned down an offer to sign with Black Leo, a decision many now view as pivotal. Critics argue that joining the label might have stifled his growth, citing a lack of visible support from Kao and the Black Leo team when Keltony released his December 2024 single, “Enjoy.” Despite no backing from Black Leo, the song has garnered over 20,000 views on YouTube, a testament to Keltony’s growing fan base and his father’s financial and emotional support behind the scenes.
“Where was Black Leo when Keltony needed support during the SL Talent Search competition?” one commentator asked. “They didn’t promote his work, didn’t rally behind him—now they want to claim his success.”
The criticism extends to perceived opportunism, with fans accusing Black Leo of attempting to take credit only after Keltony’s rise became undeniable. “Let’s be clear—Keltony was not made by Kao or Black Leo. He is a product of divine talent, personal discipline, and family support,” a supporter added.
Keltony’s decision to align with Cribs International rather than an established label like Black Leo has been praised as bold and strategic. With Cribs’ support, fans now look forward to a new era of hits and creative freedom.
As he steps into this new chapter, Keltony is being advised by supporters and industry veterans alike to stay focused, avoid distractions, and continue building on the solid foundation he’s created for himself.
Keltony’s story is fast becoming one of independent success, resilience, and staying true to one’s path—a narrative that is increasingly resonating with Sierra Leone’s younger generation of artistes.
