By amadui.mansaray@awokonewspapersl.com
Port Loko, SIERRA LEONE – At just 20 years old, Musa Bangura—better known by his stage name Mumark—is carving out a bold new sound in Sierra Leone’s music scene. His latest single, Only You, is already turning heads, blending hip-hop energy with Afrobeat rhythms and an unmistakably local flair.
Born in Lungi’s Kaffu-Bullom Chiefdom and now based in Freetown, Mumark’s journey is one of talent, tenacity, and transformation. His newest release isn’t just a song—it’s a statement of intent.
“Only You is different,” Mumark told Awoko in an exclusive weekend sit-down. “The lyrics, the melody, the delivery—it all comes from a place that’s real. I’m not trying to copy anyone. I’m building my own sound.”
That sound, a fusion of hip-hop lyricism and Afrobeat’s infectious groove, has its roots in Lungi, where the young rapper first caught local attention in 2022. What began as freestyle sessions and neighborhood performances quickly evolved into something more serious, especially after he was accepted into the prestigious Ballanta Academy of Music in Freetown.
“Ballanta helped me level up,” he said. “It shaped my voice, my confidence, and gave me the tools to take this seriously.”
Mumark’s music is influenced by Sierra Leonean rap legend Kao Denero, but his vision is all his own. In Only You, he showcases his range: crisp verses, catchy hooks, and a delivery that signals he’s ready for bigger stages.
“People say this is one of the best releases of 2025,” he said with a confident smile. “And I believe them.”
Available now on Audiomack, Only You is already gaining traction, earning him fans across Freetown and beyond.
But fame isn’t what fuels Mumark—it’s passion. “Music is a calling,” he reflected. “Sometimes I sit for hours just writing, practicing, letting the inspiration come. That’s where the magic happens.”
With his signature sound, raw talent, and grounded mindset, Mumark is more than just a rising artist—he’s part of a new wave of Sierra Leonean musicians redefining the industry. And as his star begins to rise, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning.
Follow him, stream his music, and remember the name. Mumark is here to stay. AIM/11/5/2025
