The Ministry of Information and Civic Education in Sierra Leone has announced plans to pay tribute to veteran musician Jimmy B during the 2026 Salone Civic Festival. Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bah made the disclosure on November 2, 2026, during a meeting with entertainment industry stakeholders in Freetown. The tribute concert aims to celebrate Jimmy B's contributions to Sierra Leone's music industry.
The proposed tribute concert will feature several artistes performing some of Jimmy B's popular songs. The event is scheduled to take place on the final day of the festival, which will run from December 9 to 11, 2026. Minister Bah has called on the country's Entertainment Ambassador and Peace Ambassador to coordinate artistes' participation and work with the ministry to ensure the entertainment industry plays an active role in the event.
The 2026 Salone Civic Festival will open with a ceremony expected to be attended by President Julius Maada Bio. The President is also scheduled to visit exhibition booths showcasing the activities of various ministries, departments, and agencies. The festival will feature civic engagement activities, including town hall discussions, debates, quizzes, and theatrical performances.
A separate town hall session will bring together entertainment industry stakeholders to discuss challenges facing the sector, development opportunities, and ways to strengthen collaboration with the government. This session aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the government and entertainment stakeholders.
Entertainment industry representatives have welcomed the proposed tribute to Jimmy B and expressed their willingness to support preparations for the festival. They also made recommendations on promoting the event and improving cooperation between the government and entertainment stakeholders.
The ministry views the engagement as part of efforts to strengthen the entertainment industry's involvement in the festival, which combines civic education, public engagement, and cultural performances. The tribute concert is expected to make Jimmy B's musical legacy a major feature of the festival's closing celebrations.
The festival's dates were revised from December 10-12 to December 9-11, 2026. The event aims to bring together citizens, stakeholders, and the government to promote civic engagement, education, and cultural exchange. The tribute to Jimmy B is seen as a significant aspect of the festival's cultural programme.
Key points
- The government of Sierra Leone plans to honour Jimmy B with a tribute concert at the 2026 Salone Civic Festival.
- The festival will feature civic engagement activities, cultural performances, and a tribute to Jimmy B's musical legacy.
- The event aims to promote cooperation between the government and the entertainment industry.
