If I were running for president, I’d want a rapper like Kao Denero on my side, too.
Most presidential candidates wouldn’t think to have a rapper by their side, but in the case of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, it was the support of legendary rapper Kao Denero that was most important to spreading his message to the people of Sierra Leone.
Born in Lungi township, Port Loko District in Sierra Leone, Kao Denero (Amara Dennis Turay) made a name for himself in the Sierra Leone music scene by speaking truthfully about his experiences of living through the country’s Civil War. With hits like “Child of the Ghetto” and “I Am Sierra Leone,” Denero rose to fame on the continent, giving himself the title of King of Africa for his song of the same name. However, this wouldn’t be the most important title attached to his name. In March of 2021, Denero was given the honor of becoming Sierra Leone’s first-ever Ambassador of Entertainment and Investment by President Bio, and it is a role that he is still committed to today.
As Sierra Leone’s 2023 general election approached, Kao Denero made his support for President Bio’s reelection known in his powerful anthem “1961 (forward ever backward never HE BIO 2023).” Produced by Dr. Mo, the song has a rhythm that makes you bob your head and lyrics that could mobilize voters to support the incumbent president. In the song, Denero lists the characteristics of the ideal leader of Sierra Leone. This leader is steady, focused, disciplined, and no-nonsense. They fight against corruption, recognize the value of arts and entertainment, are a voice for the streets, and are “fit for the land.” To Denero, that leader is former general turned president Julius Bio.
Central to the song is the historic date of Sierra Leone’s independence: 1961. Referencing the country’s past which was mired by colonialism, corruption, and internal conflict, Denero urges listeners to look to Bio for a path forward. “We don’t want no man wey gon take we back to 1961 or ‘67. We all vote for who fit for the land,” he raps. And on election day, the people voted for Bio as their leader, fit for the land.
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