Ibrahim S. Bangura
Amara Denis Turay, popularly known as Kao Denero, the Ambassador of the Entertainment Industry in Sierra Leone, has on Tuesday presented recommendations to President Julius Maada Bio to implement them to advance the entertainment industry in Sierra Leone.
His presentation of the recommendations to the President came following a National Entertainment Conference which had been held on the 26th of October 2023. The Conference brought over 130 participants together including artists, media personalities; government agencies (MDAs), entertainment-related groups and various stakeholders, to address issues affecting the entertainment industry and its entertainers.
The conference was themed, “Empowering the Entertainment Industry: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Innovation, Economic Benefits, and Cultural Preservation.’
During the conference, a number of recommendations were made by individual artists, artist unions and sector representatives.
The key proposals include the establishment of an independent entertainment commission, agency, or secretariat to address challenges and foster industry growth. Additionally, there was a call for contemporary copyright laws to protect the intellectual property rights of entertainers, ensuring fair compensation and creative control.
There was also a need for a state-of-the-art National Studio equipped with advanced facilities, promoting high-quality content creation nationwide. Collaboration between the government and the private sector was also highlighted to support the entertainment and creative arts industry, thus fostering its development.
Rebranding the entertainment industry through innovative technology, capacity building for entertainers, expanding streaming opportunities globally, promoting Sierra Leone as a cultural and entertainment destination; establishing grants and funding opportunities for entertainers and entrepreneurs, were also recommended.
According to Kao, it was a brilliant idea for the entertainers to sit and discus about issues affecting not only the entertainment industry but also the entertainers. “Discussing about our problems and giving recommendations together, was a brilliant one. I hope that the president will consider and implement those recommendations for the benefit of our industry. Again, as we have started working in unity, I pray that we continue with it. Love is the answer,” Kao said.