Drizilik Sparks Drama: Labels Kao Denero “Uninspiring” While Praising LAJ

Sierra Leonean musician Drizilik has described the songs of Entertainment Ambassador Kao Denero as “uninspiring,” while praising LAJ’s music as “easier to listen to.”

He made the remarks in a recent media interview reflecting on artistic influence and audience engagement within the country’s music sector.

Despite his strong opinions, Drizilik emphasized that he is not competing with other artists. “My biggest competition is simply whoever I was yesterday,” he said.

He added that success in Sierra Leone’s music industry requires strategic thinking, especially where full support is not always available. “For you to be in a country where people don't give their 100% to you, then you have to be smart to put different people together to sum up that number,” Drizilik explained.

Reflecting on his career, he highlighted the opportunities music has afforded him beyond formal academic qualifications. “Music has taken me to rooms where probably an academic qualification may not have taken me. The Amazon deal is a perfect example,” he said.

Drizilik also addressed challenges within the local entertainment industry, particularly the lack of formal training for artist management. “People don't get up and say they want to train to become music or entertainment managers in Sierra Leone. So that skillset is missing completely,” he noted, adding that many managers handle artists alongside other jobs.

He credited his international recognition partly to his relationship with actor Idris Elba and emphasized the role of a “very formidable” management team with diverse expertise in his success.

Looking back at the start of his career, Drizilik explained that his journey was never about fame. Beginning with hip-hop, he compared the genre to a sport, emphasizing discipline and competitiveness. “I study entertainment. I'm in touch with the trends and what other successful musicians do, how they grow and the moves that they make,” he said.

Drizilik’s remarks, particularly regarding LAJ and Kao Denero, have sparked renewed discussion in Sierra Leone’s entertainment scene about musical style, artistic direction, and industry dynamics.