From the Ebola outbreak to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of Sierra Leone, a small West African country, confront poverty and related stress. Despite ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty through various development programs aimed at improving living conditions and well-being, the lack of accessible health care, education and employment continues to distress the country. Amid these tough conditions of low income and limited access to necessities, Sierra Leone’s art culture thrives as a crucial outlet for expression and community cohesion. Music and dance do more than entertain; they become narratives of personal and collective experiences, reflecting how Sierra Leoneans cope with poverty.

History

Sierra Leone’s underdevelopment has deep roots in the aftermath of the country’s 11-year civil war, one of the bloodiest wars in African history. Despite attempts at economic recovery post-civil war, the country was consistently rated as one of the world’s poorest countries, ranking third out of 20 impoverished countries in 2025. This immense conflict caused the loss of several lives and displacement, as well as disruption in the nation’s economy and infrastructure. 

Poverty in Sierra Leone

According to UNICEF, 60% of 8.8 million people live below the national poverty line and 13% live in extreme poverty conditions. Sierra Leoneans live on less than $1.90 daily, making the cycle of accessing education, food and safe water problematic to escape from. The northern region has a higher poverty rate and a lower rate in the West of Sierra Leone. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in several citizens’ incomes and citizens who receive income from self-employment jobs, such as farmers, were hit the hardest. COVID-19 disrupted Sierra Leone’s poverty reduction actions and made people find different ways to make ends meet for their families. 

Culture of Artistic Expression

Some residents in Sierra Leone seek an escape route from reality by participating in the arts. Through the arts, individuals can express their emotions and tell their stories to reduce anxiety, ease depression and view problems from a different perspective. Coping with the trials of life, such as poverty, builds strength to communicate and manage feelings of hopelessness. Sierra Leone residents take pride in their culture, specifically the nation’s traditional musical instruments, such as the balangi and dance, such as the Bondo dance. The art culture allows the people of Sierra Leone to surround themselves with one another as a community to address communal values and social issues. 

The Arts and Poverty-Related Stress in Sierra Leone

Musicians are tackling the rise of poverty and related stress in Sierra Leone. While many believe Sierra Leone’s musicians have escaped poor living conditions, singer and songwriter Emmerson Bockarie uses his music to advocate for truth and justice in his country. “I stand with the people; I am with the country,” Bockarie said. In his single “No Easy Eh,” he sings, “Wi weh no born mit money/ less opportunity/ still wi wan be somebody/ e no easy eh.” Bockarie highlights the struggles of the youth population facing poverty-related stress in Sierra Leone, underscoring the enduring hardships that the country wants the government to address.

Spreading Hope for the Future

Art culture is a motivational characteristic of fighting poverty-related stress. It articulates social and economic concerns from the voiceless to government officials to rally local and international support for social shifts. Sierra Leonean artists assist the impoverished population and encourage the community to bond and nurture resilience during challenging circumstances. People feel emotional relief through art that endures the spirit of Sierra Leone, navigating their socio-economic landscape.

– Makayla Johnson

Makayla is based in Cary, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr