By Ibrahim S.Bangura
Ellen Keister, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Reems Entertainment in Freetown, has called for unity among Sierra Leonean’s entertainers so as to promote the entertainment industry.
Over the years, the industry has been facing issues which caused division among entertainers. That division did not only affect the growth of the industry, but also revenue and job creation in various entertainment sectors.
In the world today, the entertainment industry plays a very important role in creating jobs for over thousands of people across various sectors, including film, music, theater, etc. Its economic impact is not limited to direct employment, as it also creates job opportunities in interrelated industries, such as catering and transportation.
The industry also has a significant impact on other industries, such as tourism and hospitality. Production of major film and music festivals, for instance, attract tourists from around the world, generating revenue for local businesses and supporting the local economy.
It was against this backdrop that Keister wrote an open letter to entertainers urging them to embrace peace and to love one another so as to change the dynamics and shape of the industry.
In her letter, she wrote: “Let’s switch up the game a little bit. We all know our industry is struggling; the fights, the drama, etc. don’t really help us. I read, I follow, and most times I’m angry, but then most times I allow people to do them. We always compare ourselves to other people, especially Nigerians. I see what they do, and their support for one another is great, making them go bigger and bigger. Even if we don’t like each other, let’s show respect towards our work, energy, and effort. I come across individuals who ask for help when they have upcoming shows, but are they willing to share other people’s work and flyers? We are all petty, because I, for sure, will only promote and share flyers from people who don’t support me. It’s only fair. So therefore, it is essential that we follow one another. Promoting one another’s work, DJ’s playing Salone music, and bloggers posting every piece of news (all publicity na publicity), but more so, we try to do it positively. “There has been turmoil every year and no advancement. I’m not here to pass judgment or point fingers; this is for all of us. I think we can achieve great things if we make a small mental adjustment. Yes, we see large followings, and people become really excited by the numbers, but from these numbers, I believe that the people following you are not the real fans. Instead, they are individuals who have the intention of making fun of and abusing you. Why are we celebrating these individuals when, according to my estimation, 150 out of 200 comments are negative or abusive? It shouldn’t always be negative to have numbers, and if you notice when you post something good, the numbers drop, but when you post anything dramatic, the numbers go up, then we have a problem. Is that how we want to be celebrated? But I guess it’s a numbers game and numbers don’t lie. Drama is acceptable; don’t get me wrong, we need content, but keep it classy. Yes, I am aware that cool drama does not exist, but let’s give it a shot and see. Big companies refrain from endorsements due to their perception of negative energy. Even if I am fortunate, I understand that most of us are facing challenging times, and I speak with those in charge of these companies. When I suggest some entertainers, I hear what they have to say and pay attention to their remarks. To be honest, majority are unwilling to collaborate with us. Quality matters more than quantity, and we require the support of larger brands. The Fans- Criticizing someone is acceptable but tearing someone down is not a good way to do it. We, as Sierra Leoneans, must do better this year. How many people are consuming music, movies, talk shows, comedy skits from our comedians through streaming services? Data costs money, I know, but consider this: if a musician , TV show host, movie producer, comedian, uploads their content etc. and everyone takes their time to stream it once, that will increase the number of streams and give us money, which will enable us to be like the others. Stop making comparisons, show love and support. We must do better in 2024 to achieve growth and excellence. By this I’m saying, let’s just level up, support each other and see where it takes us. One love! One Heart! One Sierra Leone! Wishing you a year of positivity! I come in peace! Ellen Keister”