Image credit: Tasos Katopodis Photography

On August 14th, 2025, Sierra Leonean music took center stage at Amazon’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia as Drizilik delivered an electrifying performance for the tech giant’s employees. 

The concert was part of the Amazon Summer Concert Series, an annual tradition that brings global music talent to the company’s offices. This year, Drizilik joined a roster of past performers that includes Brittany Spencer, Lily Rose, Dayglow, CharlieonaFriday, and The Beths. This list reflects Amazon’s ability to spot emerging talent and celebrate diverse musical voices. 

(Caption: Drizilik performs Kriofusion hits at Amazon’s HQ in Arlington, Virginia on August 14, 2025)

(Caption: A cross section of Amazon employees at the summer concert series on August 14 2025 in Arlington, Virginia)

The event, hosted at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, VA, was a private performance open exclusively to Amazon employees and select guests. Drizilik’s inclusion marked the first time a Sierra Leonean artist has graced the Amazon Summer stage, underscoring his growing recognition in the United States and expanding reach of Sierra Leonean music abroad. 

Christa Barbas, Senior Manager of Events Operations at Amazon, praised the event. She said, “Drizilik is an extraordinary musical talent and cultural ambassador. It was such a pleasure to have him join our summer concert series at Amazon HQ in Arlington, Virginia, and to experience Sierra Leone’s Krio fusion music live. It was a blast, and Amazon employees in attendance had an amazing time.” 

What this Means for the Sierra Leonean Diaspora

Caption: (L-R) Saxophonist Reginald Thompson, DJ Rampage, Drizilik, Emeka Nkele, Francil Johnson

For many Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, moments like these are more than just concerts. They are proof of how far the nation’s music and culture has travelled. Drizilik, whose music fuses Krio storytelling with Afrobeats and hip hop, has steadily built an audience beyond Sierra Leone. 

His recent shows across the U.S at the Howard Theatre, his presence at the BET awards ceremony and show including his recent show in Columbus, Ohio, reflect the growing demand for his artistry and the pride it sparks within the Sierra Leonan community. 

Drizilik’s publicist and CEO of VR&C Marketing Company, Vickie Remoe, highlighted that opportunities like this represent more than professional wins. “It’s about visibility and sharing Sierra Leone’s culture. Every stage Drizilik performs opens doors for other Sierra Leonean artists,” she said. “He may be the first but he won’t be the last.”

On stage with Drizilik was Sierra Leonean saxophonist Reginald Thompson, Keyboardist, Francil Johnson, DJ Rampage and Nigerian drummer Emeka Nkele.

As Sierra Leone’s leading artist, Drizilik continues to push boundaries, taking his sound from the streets of Freetown to some of the world’s most respected stages. And with performances like Amazon’s Summer Concert Series, it’s evident that Sierra Leonean culture is not just local, it is global.