Sierra Leone’s Philadelphia (USA) based hip-hop rapper, Kao Denero, is on the verge of making yet another stride to complete his new album titled “The New Beginning”. Sierra Express Entertainment Editor, Murtala Mohamed, recently had an exclusive interview with him via Email. In this interview the Freetown dubbed “Most Wanted hip hop artist” detailed his views on the current trend of affairs in the Sierra Leone music industry. He explained also his position on the escalating allegations involving him and his musical opponent, Pupa Baja & the Baw Waw Society during their recent tour to the USA. The interview is revealing and interesting, read through!


SEM: Why your next album is titled 'New Beginning'?

KD: Since I started my musical career, I have always noticed controversy in the midst of one another. I want to believe that it makes no gain if we should continue to envy one another. I strongly believe that, this is the time for a new beginning. I intend to start a new page while I am also urging Sierra Leoneans to let bygones be bygones. It’s a new year that we have just started, at the same time we are having a new Government. I think it’s time for Kao-Denero to take the next level with another album which will be titled “New Beginning”.

SEM: What is unique about your 'New Beginning'?

KD: I perceive, my New Beginning as being well. I have always tried to be unique; therefore, my latest work on the new album, yet to be released, is thought to be well done. I spent a whole lot of time while selecting the right instrumental beats and lyrics. I have this feeling that Sierra Leoneans at home and in the Diaspora will love it. I believe in creativity, so my philosophy is designed to educate Sierra Leoneans to always do things on their own. I want to believe that by the time my album is out, it will make history. The song I did with Emerson is among one of the best tracks. This shows how fine it is to have artists from Sierra Leone doing songs together. Honestly, New Beginning is well composed and when you listen to the tracks in the album you can tell what good music is. The album is classic. My message is this: I am the one that’s going to save the game from drowning, so count me in.

SEM: It was alleged that you disrupted Pupa Baja and Baw Waw Society’s tour in the USA .What's your own side of the story?

KD: It pains me all the time when my name gets trampled in a situation like that. I believe, the almighty God is always communicating with humans in different ways, but sometimes we do not understand. Maybe I should put it this way; I have nothing but love and respect for the said group. It has always been like that from day one. Maybe its not really the same coming from their side, I believe there are some people that just don’t want to be responsible for their failures, and would rather cast blame on the next person for it. In fact, I was out of the USA. I was in Canada on a concert tour when I learnt that my name was associated to the above allegation. It came as a surprise to me. My hands are clean and God knows that am completely innocent.

SEM: What were the lessons learnt from the Canada trip?

KD: Well the trip to Canada was a directive from God, and I should say it takes me away from the mess that people had intended to put me into. Aside from that, it was a very pleasing experience that I will never forget. The show was fantastic as rumours from fans have it that my stage performance was one of the best they have witnessed in a while. Kao always make sure people get their money worth when it comes to performances.

SEM: What do you think is the major problem affecting the Sierra Leone music industry today?

KD: The music industry is like a baby for now, it’s a new one which requires lots of hard work but it is developing gradually. Permit me to site football as an example. The game is dead and everyone is busy fighting each other. I don’t mean the physical fight but spiritually, and people are getting tired of hearing the same sound that only appeals to Sierra Leoneans. We need to start breaking new ground and not be afraid of stepping into something new. For example I can still recall when I started rapping, a lot of people used to cry me down, discouraging me in different ways. Many times people kept telling me that hip hop music is not meant for this country. But check the statistics today - Black Leo is running the game because I stuck to what I believe, and I know it’s the best. Let’s be open- minded and just be ready to embrace creative minds.

It’s also sad today to see what the game has become, to tell you the truth nowadays everyone wants to be an artist, they say if you can afford to pay the studios and engineers then you are in the music field, even without the talent. Don’t get me wrong, I am cool with those that respect what I do. There are also those who wish they can be in my position. They keep on with their jealousy just because the next man keeps shinning. I just pray the real artist gets his due respect and the fakes find something else to do.

SEM: Why do you think Sierra Leone musicians are not considered at the International level?

KD: All that will come with innovative minds, but if we are just comfortable with the same old jumpie jumpie music, then KORA is not for us. Also, I personally feel that Sierra Leone, in general, is being underrated by the people that’s involved, they seem to only care about the big names of Africa, like Nigeria, and Ghana due to the markets. If they care about good music then DA NEW BEGINNING will be the album to take it there.

SEM: How far do you intend to reach with your musical career?

KD: My expectations are very high, it goes beyond the sky. I want to be the first musician who will be representing my country at that level. I envy and admire what Akon is doing for Senegal, I strongly believe that I have all it takes to reach that height, and I just need the support.


Kao Denero is taking over this year; my clothing line is in the works as we speak.

Invertiew by Sierra Express Media (sierraexpressmedia.com)