By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Milton Koker, known in the music industry as Colabo, and President of the All Stars, an organization dedicated to advocating for the welfare and interests of Sierra Leonean musicians, has called on artists across the country to prioritize peace and unity. His remarks come amid rising tensions in the local entertainment scene, particularly among hip-hop artists.
In recent weeks, conflicts between prominent musicians have sparked public attention, with some escalating to physical altercations and threats. One of the most recent and high-profile disputes involves Amara Denis Turay, known as Kaodenero, CEO of the Black Leo label, and Alhaji Amadu Bah, better known as LAJ, founder of the Red Flag Movement.
The tension surfaced once again on social media after a personal dispute involving Kaodenero’s former partner, Delvaque, who is also a musician. According to sources close to the situation, it was alleged that LAJ is currently dating Kaodenero’s baby mama, Delvaque, a claim that reignited the long-standing feud between the two artists.
The public conflict reached a climax when Kaodenero publicly expressed his frustration with LAJ during his Heroes album launch. The two have been at odds for over 12 years, with their rivalry often spilling over into the public eye. However, recent efforts seemed to suggest a potential resolution, as both artists appeared to have set aside their differences for the sake of peace.
Unfortunately, the truce was short-lived. The situation worsened when LAJ was accused of failing to attend a Black Leo event, despite multiple efforts by Kaodenero’s team to ensure his participation. According to Kaodenero’s camp, they made several attempts to get LAJ to attend, but the artist did not show up. This failure to support each other in a professional capacity further fueled the animosity between the two camps.
Recognizing the growing strain, Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh intervened. The Minister facilitated a roundtable discussion between the two parties—Kaodenero and LAJ—along with the Entertainment Ambassador and Peace Ambassador. The aim was to mediate and settle their differences, bringing a sense of calm to the escalating tension.
In light of this intervention, All Stars President Colabo has urged musicians, including both Kaodenero and LAJ, to put their personal grievances aside and focus on fostering peace within the industry. “We are all in this together,” Colabo emphasized. “It’s time for all of us, especially the more prominent artists, to support each other and promote unity in our community. We can’t afford to let unnecessary drama distract us from the bigger picture.”
Colabo added that rather than focusing on personal conflicts, artists should redirect their energy toward supporting fellow musicians, especially those with upcoming shows. “Our collective success depends on how we work together,” he said. “The industry is big enough for all of us to thrive, and it’s time we start acting like one family.”
The All Stars President’s call for unity comes at a critical time for the Sierra Leonean music scene, as artists continue to gain recognition both at home and internationally. Colabo’s message serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry can be a powerful force for positive change, but only if its members work together in peace and solidarity. MJB/23/11/2024
