Freetown, 6th June, 2026 – A new survey by Meraki Analytics has revealed Sierra Leone’s all‑time favourite musicians, offering a snapshot of cultural tastes across generations and demographics in Freetown.
Out of 1,217 residents surveyed between April 13 and May 4, LAJ emerged as the undisputed favourite, commanding 12.3% of responses. His dominance was particularly strong among Gen Z listeners, cementing his influence on the country’s contemporary music scene.
Close behind was Emmerson with 10.5%, whose appeal resonates most with Millennials, reflecting his long‑standing reputation for socially conscious lyrics. Famous ranked third at 8.4%, notable for enjoying a majority female fanbase. Other artists rounding out the top five included Kao Denero (7.4%) and Drizilik (6.3%), both celebrated for their lyrical prowess and modern sound.
The survey also highlighted enduring appreciation for veteran performers such as K Man (6.0%) and Steady Bongo (2.9%), alongside newer names like Star Zee (2.1%), Legacy Boi (1.7%), and Pupa Banja (1.2%). In total, 94 artists were mentioned, underscoring the diversity of Sierra Leone’s music industry.
Interestingly, nearly a quarter of respondents (24.9%) reported that they do not listen to Sierra Leonean music or have no favorite artist, pointing to both challenges and opportunities for the local industry.
Beyond the top ten, notable mentions included M2, Jimmy B, Millicent Rhodes, Zainab Sheriff, Vic Fornah, Vida, Buberry, Marie V, Innocent, and Rozay, reflecting the wide spectrum of talent shaping Sierra Leone’s cultural identity.
This survey not only confirms LAJ’s enduring popularity but also illustrates how generational and gender dynamics continue to shape Sierra Leone’s vibrant music landscape.
About OneField
OneField, powered by Meraki Analytics (SL) Limited, is Sierra Leone’s first unified and pooled data collection service designed to deliver affordable, reliable, and decision-ready insights for businesses, development organizations, public institutions, researchers, and other stakeholders.
About Citizens Lens
Citizens Lens is a citizen-driven public research initiative delivered through OneField Implemented by Meraki Analytics, it aims to generate independent, high-quality insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of Sierra Leoneans.
Through face-to-face household interviews targeting 1217 randomly selected respondents, this inaugural edition of Citizens Lens explores how adults in Freetown across generations perceive issues such as governance, entrepreneurship, entertainment, collaboration, accountability, and everyday livelihoods. The initiative seeks to help shift national conversations beyond partisan politics toward evidence, opportunity, and sustainable development.
Through periodic public-interest research, Citizens Lens aims to amplify citizen voices, strengthen data-informed dialogue, and support more inclusive decision-making across
Sierra Leone.
About Meraki Analytics
Meraki Analytics (SL) Limited is a leading research, data science, and technology consulting firm based in Sierra Leone, specializing in large-scale data collection, program evaluation, advanced analytics, training, and capacity development.
With a highly experienced team of data scientists, statisticians, researchers, and field specialists, Meraki Analytics has successfully implemented nationally representative studies and field operations across Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. The firm possesses deep expertise in research design, digital data collection, enumerator training, field supervision, quality assurance, data analysis, and reporting.
Contributors
1. Joel Abdulai Kallon – Technical Lead
2. Harry Henry Kargo – Data Management
3. Binta Bah — Data Cleaning
4. Sorie Alfred Dumbuya – Data Review & Editing
5. Musa Mansaray – Graphics Design & Data Visualization
6. Tracy Jac-During – Data Storytelling & Dissemination
