This coming weekend, the community of Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad have a golden opportunity to connect, celebrate, and envision together. The eagerly awaited Sierra Leone Arts & Culture Festival (SLACfest) 2025 returns to the heart of London from October 31st, 2025 to November 2nd, 2025 under the theme, “Roots & Renaissance.”

We are excited to announce that pioneering media and communications expert, Vickie Remoe, will be delivering a keynote address at SLACfest’s opening evening. Her presence gives fresh addition to what promises to be a weekend of rich and meaningful connection for Sierra Leoneans in the UK and beyond. 

As someone whose work spans digital media, African diaspora engagement, storytelling, and a lifelong mission to make Sierra Leone famous for the right reasons, Remoe’s invitation comes as no surprise. 

Her track record as a cultural promoter speaks for itself. She is the founder of VR&C Marketing, Sierra Leone’s leading digital marketing agency with offices in Freetown and Accra. She is also the host of the Make Sierra Leone Famous podcast, where she highlights stories of impact and inspiration. 

Each year, she curates and hosts the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC), creating space for collaboration and development between Sierra Leoneans at home and in the diaspora. She has also written three children’s books that introduce young readers to Sierra Leonean culture, both in the country and across the diaspora. 

Most recently, through her YouTube series, Awujo Kitchen, Remoe is sharing the richness of Sierra Leonean cuisine with global audiences. Her presence as a keynote speaker at SLACfest is a testament to years of consistent work and cultural advocacy. 

Her address will conclude Day 1’s evening programme, setting the tone for a weekend of conversations around identity, innovation, and community. 

What is SLACfest 2025 All About? 

For three days at Theatre Peckham in London, SLACfest will host a packed schedule of music, poetry, panel discussions, comedy, food, and so much more. 

On day 1, the festival will open with an evening of networking, and good vibes. Hosted by Makeda L. Cole and Fea Fasuluku, with DJ Hopie on the music, the night will be exciting. There will be poetry from Mabs Taylor, comedy from Ibs Sesay, and music from Nadeem Din Gabisi. Vickie Remoe will read the keynote to end the activities for the first day. 

Day 2 will see activities focused on heritage, identity, generational connection, and the diaspora’s place in Sierra Leone’s story. Panels will explore challenges, lessons, and hopes of the diasporic community in Britain. 

At midday, there will be some #SLACfest favourites include, A Brief History of Sierra Leone and A Sabi Pas Yu, interactive quiz that will test participants knowledge on Sierra Leone. In studio 2, there will be a parallel Kip Kompin Cinema Programme, and group Young Krios will lead a Krio Klas workshop. 

The first part of Day 2 will be hosted by Gemima Weekes, and supported by Makeda L. Cole with DJ Hopie. 

After part 1, there will be a 1-hour lunch break where delicious Sierra Leonean cuisines will be present and participants can explore the Small Markit, full of vendors selling Sierra Leonean and African diaspora inspired wares. There will also be an exhibition, featuring photography by talented Sierra Leonean artists from London, Freetown, and beyond, and a Gynae-themed obstacle course curated by Dr. Aziza Sesay. 

The rest of day 2 will be filled with high-quality entertainment including comedy from Aunty Hawa, music from Adama, and a keynote speech from Maria Bradford. There will be films produced, directed, and/or starring Sierra Leoneans. 

There will be a “Renaissance” panel featuring Changemakers and Tastemakers, facilitated by Christie Fewry, in conversation with KABBA, Seun Babalola and Patrice Naiambana. The hosts for part 2 will be Gemima Weekes, Fatima, with DJ Hopie.

On the last day, the emphasis will shift to creative futures and discussions on what is next for Sierra Leonean talent, business, culture, and global connections. There will be two panels, a keynote, and a headline comedian. 

The first panel of the day, “Sierra Leone’s Creative Landscape,” will explore the services and infrastructure that needs to be in place for the Sierra Leonean creative, both at home and in the diaspora to thrive. The panel will be facilitated by Marie Osman, in conversation with Drizilik, Vanessa Fisher, Alima F. Sesay and Antonia Howard. 

The second panel “Africa Beyond Borders,” will explore how African creatives can connect the dots between Africa and the African diaspora, using their African heritage as inspiration. This panel will be facilitated by It’s a Continent podcast co-host, Chiny Ukata, with panelists Simmone Ahiaku from Homesayings podcast, Wizik, and Hamid Ibrahim. 

In between the panels, there will be poetry from Saraiya Bah and a keynote speech from Seun Babalola. The day will be concluded with a standup comedy by comedian Kindo Armani. The hosts for Sunday will be Christie Fewry and Samira, with Selenks. 

Why Every Sierra Leonean in London Should Be There!

For Sierra Leoneans in the UK, this is your space to connect with fellow Sierra Leoneans, share your experiences living between continents, and be reminded that your heritage is vibrant and relevant! Seeing our talent, voice, and creative energy represented in London is a signal that our story resonates globally. 

Whether you’re in media, design, entertainment, or community work, this festival offers story-rich content, networking potential and cultural insights. In a time when diaspora and homeland narratives often feel disconnected, SLACfest invites everyone to stay rooted and celebrate traditions, embrace change, and build new pathways. 

Mark your calendars, get your tickets, show up, and let’s make the most of this gathering. 

Fambul dem, una kam join wi!