Tourism Ministry Unveils Merchandise for One Nation Reggae Festival
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has launched the official merchandise for the upcoming One Nation Reggae Festival Volume 2, scheduled to take place in Freetown from 25 to 30 November 2026.
The merchandise was unveiled at Kallon Car Park along Aberdeen Beach Road, with Director of Culture and Events, Foday Jalloh, representing the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis.
Speaking at the launch, Jalloh described the occasion as an important milestone for the festival, which originated from Minister Tunis’s vision and was developed in collaboration with historian and anthropologist Francis Momoh.
He said the One Nation Reggae Festival is Sierra Leone’s flagship cultural and musical initiative, designed to strengthen connections between African heritage, the Caribbean and the wider global diaspora. He noted that reggae music, recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, has the power to promote healing, unity and cultural understanding among people with shared histories.
Jalloh explained that the official merchandise collection includes branded polo shirts, hoodies, caps, sashes and flasks. He said the initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to building a lasting festival brand, promoting Sierra Leone internationally and strengthening the country’s cultural tourism sector.
He also highlighted the festival’s contribution to the Ministry’s broader efforts to showcase Sierra Leone’s tourism potential, expressing appreciation to private-sector partners whose financial commitments account for 70 per cent of the festival’s funding. He said their support demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in developing the country’s creative economy.
The merchandise launch comes ahead of the festival’s second edition, following its successful debut from 25 to 30 November 2025. The inaugural event opened at the Bintumani Hotel and concluded with heritage ceremonies at Bunce Island.
The 2026 edition will feature internationally recognised Jamaican artistes, including Busy Signal, Queen Ifrica, Sizzla Kalonji, Christopher Martin, Jah Thunder, Arqane and Danny Bless.
They will perform alongside leading Sierra Leonean artistes, including Star Zee, Afrimaroon, Liana, Ms Julie, Ras Mo, Ras Keita, Dallas Bantan and Famous, with DJ G Sharpe and live musical performances by Magic Vision also expected to feature.
The festival aims to celebrate Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage, strengthen its historical connections with the Caribbean and wider diaspora, and attract international visitors through music, heritage and cultural tourism.
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