Minister Bah Explains Kao Denero and LAJ Dispute

Minister Bah Explains Kao Denero and LAJ Dispute

Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, has offered new details regarding the origins of the friction between Entertainment Ambassador Kao Denero and Peace Ambassador LAJ, tracing the root of the disagreement to events that occurred during and immediately following LAJ's incarceration at Pademba Road Prison.

Minister Bah stated that his involvement commenced while LAJ was still detained, following appeals from various figures within the entertainment sector seeking his mediation. He noted that he collaborated closely with Kao Denero throughout this period, characterizing their coordination as consistent and deliberate.

The Minister recounted that one of his primary regrets is the lack of a recording for a pivotal phone call between LAJ and Kao Denero while the former was still in Pademba Road Prison. During this conversation, the two reportedly exchanged expressions of mutual admiration, respect, and goodwill. Furthermore, they agreed to a musical collaboration while LAJ was still incarcerated.

Although the collaboration was initially planned to feature only Peace Ambassador LAJ and Entertainment Ambassador Kao Denero, a subsequent decision by Kao Denero to include an additional artist on the track reportedly met with LAJ’s disapproval. Minister Bah indicated that this served as an initial point of contention between the two artists.

Minister Bah also detailed that during the November 26, 2023, prison incident, LAJ promptly contacted him to affirm his non-involvement and express his readiness to return to custody if required. Minister Bah added that President Bio was reportedly influenced by LAJ’s principled stance, which subsequently led to the decision to grant him his freedom.

Following this development, arrangements were made for Minister Bah, Entertainment Ambassador Kao Denero, Collabo, and other artists to appear publicly in front of Pademba Road Prison to display unity upon LAJ's release. However, Minister Bah noted that Kao Denero was reportedly out of town and experienced vehicle complications, which further exacerbated the tension between the two artists.

Minister Bah highlighted that the planned music video for the prison collaboration was never produced, adding another dimension to the ongoing discord. He confirmed that he continues to engage with both artists, occasionally convening meetings in an attempt to reconcile their differences.

Minister Bah’s account clarifies the sequence of misunderstandings and minor conflicts that have led to the current tensions between two of Sierra Leone’s most prominent musical figures, while underscoring persistent efforts towards fostering reconciliation.