Singer Gpee’s Perspective On Ambassador Kao Denero

In this opinion article, Sierra Leonean singer and songwriter Gpee shares his personal experiences and reflections on the appointment of Ambassador Kao Denero and its significance for the country’s entertainment industry. Gpee highlights the pure-heartedness and disciplined personality of Ambassador Kao, along with his own aspirations of collaborating with him as a young artist.

Introduction and Personal Experience with Kao Denero

A Humble King with a Disciplined Personality

“One thing I know about this humble King, if you’re lucky to cross path with him nor kam with JEALOUSY to ram. He’s pure in heart wetin yu call “bad hart” to mi ar see am as a disciplined personality. Growing up as a young boy with the dream of becoming a mega star. I have always wished for the opportunity to do a song with “Kao Denero” as God could do it he made it by giving me the opportunity to do several songs with him just in one year. I can vividly recall, a week after we did the song which he tilted “We are Not The Same” he was later appointed as the Special Envoy for Entertainment and Investments. The Song went viral with over 30k views and 10 international reactions in 24 hrs. Honestly I was amazed: I started getting calls from all angles pouring out good sentiments for what I did on the song. Amb. Kao continued to motivate me; he’s always said to me “you have the potential to hit the international market; it is for guys that as Ambassador I will endeavor to bring in genuine investors to put you guys on the spotlight.”

Challenges and Allegiances in the Industry

Industry Polarization and Allegiances

“I have heard people asking what has he really done as Ambassador. Well, he’s done a few good things: He would have been able to do more, but our industry is wildly polarized along political lines. Many are of the view that because he was appointed by the ruling government, they should not be part of anything in order to protect their allegiance with certain politicians or political party.”

The Formation of the Board of Entertainment

Inclusivity and the Board of Entertainment

“Let me share my story on the forming of a Board of Entertainment after Amb. Kao’s appointment. I, for one, knew well that that was not required for him to have done that according to his duties as stated on his appointment letter. So I was not in favor of that. I knew his office was yet to be fully established, nor was he given funds immediately after his appointment. I also considered that those whom he would be appointing will also expect at least a “board sitting fee” (government bizness all man wan eat). However, Ambassador Kao said, “I want to work in inclusivity. So I’m bringing on board ‘like minds’ to help me bring together our industry, create the enabling environment for genuine investors, and advocate for the review and passing of the Entertainment Act—a policy that will guarantee the security of every entertainer to law.””

Challenges within the Board of Entertainment

Challenges and Politics in the Board

“In the first meeting with members of the board, I just wanted to let them know what the appointment was about—God knows the orders some board members made for refreshments. 😂 To cut a long story short, I noticed the board was not going to be successful, as you now had those who came into the board to study the situation if they will get their way (survival from the government). Some to gather information and send it to the opposition (those who were not in favor of Amb. Kao’s appointment), and another set was paying attention to knowing what the Amb is benefiting directly from the President. Politics came into play, some members became saboteurs of the process under which an Entertainer was appointed to be part of the Presidency’s… jealousy started, and our industry then was enveloped in enough smoke. Every effort of the Amb to bring and heal wounds with entertainers whom the fans think he had adversity with was openly declined… We all saw when he took to his official Facebook page with the good will of extending an olive branch. That one humble act turned out to be a shot against himself. A mere typographical error on the spelling of the name… came with huge disrespect to his personality. As the strong Soja that he is, he also decided to play the philosophy of fool fo gain sense…! He still opened his door to his rivals… To be continued…”

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Gpee, a Sierra Leonean singer and songwriter. The views and perspectives shared in this piece are based on the author’s personal experiences and observations. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or stance of Focus On Sierra Leone or its editorial team. The article is intended to stimulate thoughtful discussion and engage readers in dialogue about the topic at hand. Readers are encouraged to form their own opinions and conduct further research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.