13 Sierra Leonean Women Creatives You Should Know in 2025

Sierra Leonean women are making their mark on the global stage, proving that talent knows no boundaries. From the runways of New York City to London and the heart of Nollywood, these women are breaking barriers, redefining success, and amplifying Sierra Leone’s presence in the arts and entertainment industry.

They are models gracing the world’s biggest fashion campaigns, filmmakers telling powerful stories, and actresses and musicians commanding audiences with their performances. Some have roots deeply tied to Sierra Leone, while others proudly carry their heritage across continents. 

But what unites them all? A relentless drive, an undeniable presence, and a passion for storytelling through fashion, film, and creative expression. 

In this feature, we celebrate these remarkable women. Bold, brilliant, and unstoppable, these women continue to elevate Sierra Leone’s cultural footprint on the world stage. 

Fats Timbo– Comedian and Content Creator

Fatima “Fats” Timbo is more than a comedian, she’s a trailblazer redefining representation in mainstream entertainment. With over 3 million followers across social platforms, she has captivated audiences with her sharp humour, unfiltered storytelling and fearless advocacy for little people. 

Born with achondroplasia to Sierra Leonean parents who fled war to the UK, Timbo has faced a lifetime of societal prejudice, especially due to her condition, but she has turned those challenges into a source of empowerment. Through her parents, she has learned the power of perseverance. Their sacrifices and dedication to service, working as NHS nurses, instilled in her a deep sense of empathy. 

In her book, Main Character Energy: Ten Commandments for Living Life Fearlessly, she shares her journey of self-acceptance, proving that what makes us different is what makes us stand out. 

Fats’ influence has been wide. She has taken on television roles for Channel 4’s 2024 Paralympics, Celebrity GoogleBox, and BBC’s Laugh Lessons as well as others. She is also the host of Fats & Friends, a sold out stand-up comedy night that spotlights emerging digital comedians. 

Unapologetic and unstoppable, Fats is leading a movement that demands visibility, challenges stereotypes, and proves that laughter and resilience can change the world. 

Boii – Musician

Boii Martha, whose real name is Martha Koroma, is a rising voice in Sierra Leone’s Afrobeats and R&B scene, blending soulful melodies with relatable stories. She made her debut under Kabaka Multimedia Entertainment (KME) with the single Never Enough.

Her journey took a pivotal turn when she signed with Cribs International, a move that propelled her career to new heights. In 2024, she made history as Spotify’s Most Streamed Sierra Leonean Female Artist, amassing 106K listeners and 1.78 million streams, testifying to her growing influence. With her latest single, Love Na Scam, Boii dives into a catchy yet thought-provoking anthem that resonates with fans across borders. As she continues to carve out her space in the industry, her talent positions her as one of Sierra Leone’s most exciting musical exports.

Shalom Prosperia Ella John– Model

Shalom Prosperia Ella John is a rising star in the world of pageantry, proudly representing Sierra Leone at Miss Cosmo Global 2024. Her journey began in 2019 at St. Joseph Senior Secondary School in Freetown and since then, she has continued to make her mark with grace and determination. 

With titles such as Miss APC 2022, Miss Anti-Violence Inter-Secondary School Pageant, Miss Earth Sierra Leone 2022, Shalom has used her platform to champion confidence, empowerment, and advocacy. She credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, especially her elder brother, Rocksy, who played a key role in encouraging her to pursue pageantry.

Shalom is a passionate advocate for biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for humans to respect, protect, and preserve the environment. She believes meaningful change starts with action, and she hopes to use her platform to drive awareness and impact. 

Di’Ja – Musician

Hadiza Blell-Olo, better known as Di’Ja, is a Nigerian-Sierra Leonean singer. Born to a Nigerian mother and a Sierra Leonean father, Di’Ja has seamlessly woven her heritage into her music.

Her music career began in 2008  and by the following year, she had quickly gained recognition by winning the Best New Artist award at the 2008 Beat Music Awards. In 2009, her single Rock Steady earned the Best Urban/R&B single at the 2009 Canadian Radio Music ward.

Di’Ja’s breakthrough came when she signed onto Marvin records in 2014, under the leadership of Don Jazzy. That same day, she released “Yaro,” a song that blends Hausa and Krio dialects paying homage to her Nigerian and Sierra Leonean roots. 

She later gained widespread recognition with her feature on smash hit, “Dorobucchi” alongside Don Jazzy, Dr. SID, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Koredo Bello, and Reekado Banks. 

In recent years, Di Ja has continued to captivate audiences with a string of epic releases including Appreciate, Half of Me, and Lavida Loca. Her latest track, Soyaya is a stunning fusion of art and music, showcasing her signature style and creative evolution. 

With a career spanning over a decade, Di’Ja continues to captivate audiences with her fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and cultural influences, cementing her legacy as a versatile and influential artist in the African music scene. 

Hawawa Turay– Model and Entrepreneur

Hawawa Turay is popular in Sierra Leone’s fashion scene. She made history as Sierra Leone’s first-ever Miss Universe representative in 2017, paving the way for young women to aspire to global platforms.

Beyond pageantry, Hawawa is also a business woman. She’s the founder of Hawawa Boutique, a showcase of fashion that embodies elegance and African excellence. As if she didn’t already have her hands full, in 2024 she took on leadership of the country’s largest music festival from her husband (entertainment mogul Kabaka). As the CEO of Ecofest Music Festival, she has brought Africa’s top artists to Freetown to foster cultural unity through music. 

Her Hawawa Model Management and Image Consultancy grooms aspiring models to meet international standards.

With her wealth of experience, Hawawa remains a driving force in the industry, using her platform to elevate entertainment, fashion, and female empowerment in Sierra Leone and beyond. 

Alimatu Farakhan– Actress and Film Maker

Alimatu Farakhan is an award-winning actress, screen writer, and producer widely recognised for her impact in the film industry. As the founder of Lema’s Diary and an entrepreneur with her own advertising company, she continues to push creative boundaries.

Armed with a bachelor of science in commerce from the Fourah Bay College and a master’s degree from the Njala University, Alimatu blends business acumen with artistic vision. Her work reflects a commitment to storytelling that highlights Sierra Leonean culture, values, and untold narratives.  

Her journey in film began with the premiere of Wild Emotions in 2016 followed by a string of successful productions including Together by Law in 2020 and Profit Point in 2021.

With over a decade of experience, Alimatu has positioned Lema’s Diary as a premier movie production company in Sierra Leone, known for compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Her dedication to authentic storytelling and meaningful social themes sets her apart, shaping the future of Sierra Leone’s film industry.

Marie Esther Bangura– Model

A proud Sierra Leonean, Marie Esther Bangura is a model and internet personality who was crowned Miss Universe Sierra Leone 2018. She is also recognised for her elegance as she won the Miss Elegance title during the competition. Marie later represented Sierra Leone at Miss Universe 2019 further establishing her presence in the industry. 

Marie continues to shine on the global scene. She participated in London Fashion Week 2025 where she headlined the “All Things Fashion” showcase at the Neon venue on Piccadilly, London.  

With her journey from a natural beauty queen to an internationally recognised model, Marie remains a trailblazer, representing Sierra Leone’s rich culture on the world stage.

Sonia Tucker- Content Creator, Model

Sonia Tucker is a New York based model, fashion influencer, and entrepreneur who has taken the industry by storm. After immigrating to the US in 2015, she started as a hair braider and worked her way up, collaborating with top professionals in fashion.

With a massive 2.7 million followers on TikTok, Sonia leveraged her platform to work with major brands like New York & Company and has been featured in L’Officiel. Recognised by La Mode Magazine, she was also a part of Marc Jacobs’ The Perfect Celebration, further cementing her place in the fashion world. 

Beyond modelling, Sonia is the founder of Barbie Hair Braiding, using her success to promote African talent and style on a global scale. Her journey from braider to fashion icon is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of self-made success. 

Yasmin Metz-Johnson– Content Creator

Yasmin Metz-Johnson is a Sierra Leonean storyteller, designer, and multimedia creative dedicated to amplifying narratives through visual and digital artistry. She founded Yasmin TELLS, a platform that merges storytelling, design, and creative expression. 

With a background in interior architecture, Yasmin studied in London before working across two continents, gaining experience in both London and Dakar. In 2018, she made a bold decision to return to Sierra Leone, driven by a desire to build her legacy and contribute to the creative landscape of her homeland. 

Between 2019 and 2020, Yasmin co-hosted the podcast Y Square Pod, that focused on life in Freetown as young diaspora women navigating the city’s unique challenges and opportunities. Her passion for connecting cultures and communities led her to launch Freetown To, an Instagram Live series during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series virtually transported audiences to cities like Monrovia, Accra, Abidjan, engaging with creatives across Africa and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. 

Through Yasmin TELLS, she has expanded her expertise to include photography, creative direction, branding, and multimedia production, collaborating on projects that highlight Sierra Leone’s culture. Her work continues to inspire a new wave of storytellers and creatives who embrace authenticity, exploration, and innovation. 

Zainne Zilla– Content Creator and Musician

Zainne Zilla is a Sierra Leonean rapper, singer, and content creator redefining digital entertainment. Known for her hit songs Boss Chicks and Dull Am featuring Kracktwist and Lex Lex, she blends confidence and creativity in her music.

Beyond the studio, Zainne dominates the digital space as Sierra Leone’s most followed TikToker, amassing an impressive 6 million followers. Her engaging content, infectious energy, and dynamic artistry have solidified her as a powerhouse in both music and social media, making her one of the most influential entertainers of her generation. 

Dove Nicol– Musician

Dove Nicol is a Sierra Leone born artist with Nigerian heritage based in Ghana. She is known for her seamless blend of artistry with intellect. After a two-year hiatus to complete law school, she has returned to music with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.

Her latest release Sky is a bold, genre-blending track that fuses Garage-style music with drum and bass. More than just a song, Sky is a raw and powerful anthem inspired by the everyday struggles of Sierra Leonean youth, capturing their rage, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. 

Dove’s music reflects her roots deeply connected to the Krio lineage, the history of freed slaves, and the spirit of Freetown as a city of liberation. Through Sky and other releases like Under Pressure, she channels empowerment, transformation, and radical honesty, cementing her place as an artist unafraid to tell her truths.  

Isat– Musician

Isat is a Sierra Leonean born, London-based Afrobeats and pop artist making waves in the music scene. Known for her infectious melodies and bold storytelling, she has steadily built a growing fan base.

Her breakout track Bend has garnered 1.1K streams on Spotify alone, while other hits like Lovin  and New Bae continue to resonate with listeners. With 2.6k monthly Spotify listeners and 7.7K TikTok followers, she is carving out her space in the industry. 

Isat’s latest release Ibrahim is a fiery anthem where she warns a man to keep his hands off multiple women. This masterpiece further cements her reputation for blending catchy beats with unapologetic storytelling. 

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson– Fashion Editor and Stylist

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson is a trailblazing American fashion editor and stylist with deep Sierra Leonean heritage. Her grandfather, distinguished doctor John Karefa-Smart, was Sierra Leone’s first foreign minister after the country gained independence, playing a vital role in shaping the country’s diplomatic landscape. Her grandmother, Rena Karefa-Smart, also made history as the first black woman to graduate from Yale Divinity School, cementing a legacy of excellence that Gabriella carries forward in the fashion world. 

Gabriella first joined Vogue as an associate fashion editor under fashion director Tonne Goodman. In 2017, she became fashion director at Garage magazine before returning to Vogue, where she made history as the first black woman to style a Vogue cover. Throughout her tenure, she styled iconic covers featuring figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, poet Amanda Gorman, and actress Margot Robbie as Barbie, redefining representation in the industry. 

Beyond her editorial work, Gabriella has been a vocal advocate for diversity and social justice. She drew widespread attention for calling out Kanye West’s controversial “White Lives Matter” shirts during the 2022 Paris Fashion Week.

In October 2023, after three years as Vogue’s global contributing editor at large, she stepped away from what was once her dream job, signalling a new chapter in her groundbreaking career. 

Gabriella continues to be a force in fashion, storytelling, and cultural influence, carrying the legacy of her ancestry into the global creative space.