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Published Julu 2025

SALONE EXPLORER Magazine The Tadition | Culture | Tourism | Local Art | Latest Gist

Editors Note Dear Readers, Welcome to this exciting edition of Salone Explorer!

Our beloved Sierra Leone is a land of rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and untold stories waiting to be shared with the world. In this issue, we journey through the heart of Salone — from the vibrant beats of our city streets to the peaceful waves of Banana Island.

We celebrate our heritage, spotlight young talents and innovators, and bring you stories that inspire pride and curiosity. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover home or a visitor eager to explore, this magazine is your gateway to the soul of Sierra Leone.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure.

Let’s explore Salone — one story at a time.

Destination Highlights Banana Island A peaceful tropical getaway just off the coast of Freetown. Known for snorkeling, historical ruins, and stunning sunsets.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Home to rescued chimpanzees and a symbol of wildlife conservation. A perfect spot for eco-tourism and forest hikes.

Bintumani Mountain

It is Sierra Leone’s highest mountain, at a staggering 1,945m. It’s West Africa’s highest peak till Cameroon. It’s an amazing mountain! Brimming with vegetation and it’s not flooded with Tourists

Culture and Lifestyle

Gara Tie-Dye: The Color of Culture Gara tie-dye is one of Sierra Leone’s most vibrant traditional textiles. Made by skillfully tying, folding, and dyeing cotton fabric, gara creates beautiful, intricate patterns in deep blues, rich purples, and radiant golds. The process is both an art and a heritage passed down through generations, especially among women in Freetown and the provinces. Today, gara is used to make dresses, shirts, headwraps, and even modern accessories — blending tradition with fashion in every stitch.

Sierra Leonean Food: A Taste of Home

Sierra Leonean cuisine is rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition.

It blends local ingredients with bold spices, creating dishes that are hearty and unforgettable. From the everyday pot of cassava leaves to special treats like fried plantains and jollof rice, each meal tells a story of culture, community, and comfort.

Sierra Leoneans love their soups and stews — often served with rice, the national staple. Leaf-based sauces like potato leaves, groundnut soup, and plasas are cooked slowly with meat, fish, or smoked turkey, flavored with pepper, onions, ogiri (fermented sesame), and local spices. Whether eaten at home, at a wedding, or on the street, food is a central part of Sierra Leonean life.

Talents

Achievements & International Acclaim

Debut album “Shukubly” (2018) won Album of the Year, Best Afro Hip‑Hop Artist, Male Artist, and Best Live Performer at Sierra Leone’s National Entertainment Awards Also awarded Sierra Leone Artiste of the Year at AWOL Awards MTV Africa Music Awards ‘Listener’s Choice’ nominee (2021) Toured UK (Hull Freedom Festival, Born in 1994, Freetown — raised in Wellington Street sold‑out London shows) and Lagos, Banamidst civil unrest, where jul, Washington DC . he found solace and inspiration in music and verse

Meet Drizilik (Benjamin Menelik George)

Stage name blends Driz (from Drake) + Menelik, reflecting his love for hip‑hop and his Krio heritage Artistic Journey & Style Started in 2012: homemade mixtapes recorded via YouTube tutorials, gaining momentum after early performances with Ballanta Academy & Freetown Uncut Band

Juma Bah: Sierra Leone’s Rising Star Shining in Manchester City’s Midfield In a country where football is more than just a game, Juma Bah is fast becoming a household name and a symbol of hope for aspiring young athletes across Sierra Leone. At just 21 years old, the Freetown-born midfielder is lighting up the English Premier League with his confident play, sharp passing, and fearless energy at Manchester City.

Bah’s journey began on the dusty fields of east Freetown, where he played barefooted street football with unmatched passion. Spotted by a local coach during an inter-school tournament, his raw talent quickly earned him a place in Sierra Leone’s national youth academy. From there, his rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

After a brief stint with FC Johansen and later with an academy in Ghana, Juma caught the attention of Manchester City scouts during a youth international tournament. His move to the English giants marked a turning point not only for his career but also for the dreams of many back home.

Quiz What does the name “Sierra Leone” mean?

What is Sierra Leone’s currency called What is Sierra Leone’s currency called?

What is the

What is the

name of the

official lan-

national football team?

guage of Sierra Leone

Which natu-

Who is the

ral resource is

president of

Sierra Leone

Sierra Le-

famous for?

one

💡 Fun Facts About Sierra Leone 1. The name “Sierra Leone” means “Lion Mountains”

It was named by a Portuguese explorer who saw the hills around Freetown and thought they looked like lion’s teeth.

2.

3.

Freetown was a home for freed slaves The city was founded in 1787 as a settlement for freed African slaves from Britain, America, and the Caribbean.

Krio is widely spoken, even though English is official Krio, a mix of English and African languages, is the most commonly spoken language in daily life.

4. River No. 2 Beach was in a Heineken commercial This beautiful white-sand beach was once featured in an international beer ad, showing the world Salone’s natural beauty.

5. Sierra Leone is a biodiversity hotspot The country has rare wildlife like pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, and over 600 bird species—especially in places like the Gola Rainforest.

6. The Cotton Tree is a national symbol Freetown’s historic Cotton Tree is a symbol of freedom and unity. It has stood for over 200 years!

7. The Leone is the national currency It was introduced in 1964 and named after the country itself.

Thank You

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