Musa Kwegoh Sowa
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Honourable Chernor Bah, has engaged entertainment industry leaders and stakeholders in Sierra Leone as preparations for the 2026 Civic Festival, billed for December 9-11, gain momentum.
The meeting was held in the Minister’s office on November 2, 2026, where the Ministry explained its plans for the festival and discussed how the entertainment industry could help make it a success. Minister Bah also recognised the sector’s contribution to Sierra Leone’s cultural life and thanked stakeholders for their continued contribution and willingness to support the event.
A Civic Festival Concert will be a centrepiece of this year’s program dedicated to a celebrated entertainment figure “The concert will pay tribute to the life, legacy and long contribution of Jimmy B to the industry,” Minister Bah said. It also marks his return to the stage after a long break.
The Minister described the planned concert as an opportunity for entertainers to celebrate one of their own. He envisaged a night to remember, with a host of performers joining Jimmy B on stage to play a selection of his classic hits. “The tribute is to celebrate Jimmy B’s dedication and influence in transforming the entertainment landscape in Sierra Leone,” he said.
Minister Bah outlined a three-day program, with each day allocated to specific activities.
President Julius Maada Bio is expected to grace the official opening ceremony marking the first day of the festival. The President is also expected to tour several booths and exhibitions mounted by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The second day will feature activities such as town hall meetings, debates, quizzes, and theatre performances. One town hall meeting will focus on the entertainment industry, gathering stakeholders to discuss the state of the sector, the challenges it faces and growth opportunities.
Minister Bah told the Entertainment Ambassador and the Peace Ambassador to lead the way in coordinating the industry’s participation. He urged them to work closely with the Ministry to organise the engagement and ensure the festival’s activities are delivered successfully.
On the third day, the grand Civic Festival Concert will be held in honour of Jimmy B. Artistes will go on stage to perform one or two of his songs as a tribute to his contribution to the entertainment industry. The concert aims to bring together performers and the audience to celebrate his work and acknowledge his place in Sierra Leone’s cultural scene.
During the meeting, the Minister also announced a change to the festival dates. The event was originally scheduled for 10-12 December 2026 but will now be held from 9-11 December.
Stakeholders in the entertainment industry welcomed the initiative and praised Minister Bah for proposing a festival tribute to one of their own. They thanked the Ministry for acknowledging Jimmy B’s contribution and reaffirmed their readiness to work with the Ministry to support the event.
Participants also gave practical suggestions to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and the entertainment industry. They shared ideas on how to promote the festival, engage the industry, and stage a concert fitting Jimmy B’s legacy.
The meeting ended with a mutual agreement to work together to ensure the 2026 Civic Festival’s success. Stakeholders and the Ministry agreed that the entertainment industry is a key player in planning and executing the event.
After the Ministry and industry representatives confirm the revised dates and outline the proposed program, they will work together on the festival’s activities. They will include the entertainment-sector town hall meeting, a concert tribute to Jimmy B, the opening ceremony, MDA exhibitions, and other activities planned over the three days.
