Sierra Leone: NEAs unveil 2021 programme

Now in its fifth edition, the annual event is the brainchild of Lake Productions and honours the country’s outstanding entertainers and professionals across the music, film, comedy, sports and fashion sector, among others. 

“The 2021 National Entertainment Awards are a dedication to hard work, integrity and perseverance,” Lake Productions and NEAs CEO Alhaji K Tarawally said, adding that the event will acknowledge “the most strategic sound, inspiring and forward-looking entertainers with measurable achievements in music, film, sports, comedy, fashion, tourism and our cultural heritage.”

This year’s NEA road map includes the constitution of the national award voting panel and board of trustees, and a consultative workshop for the two bodies this month. 

The nomination categories as well as the recipients of the lifetime achievement and special recognition awards for this year’s edition are expected to be unveiled on 4 August. Submissions for the film and music video categories will take place from 6 to 31 August, while the nominees for the year will be revealed on 17 September. 

Public voting will take place online and via mobile SMS from 1 October to 30 November. The NEAs will culminate with the main ceremony at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.

Last year's edition saw rapper Kao Denero, who is a special envoy for entertainment and investment in the country, pick up the most trophies in the music categories namely Best Male Artist of the Year, Best Male Hip Hop Artist of the Year and Best Song of the Year.