By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a Press Conference held on Monday 23rd October, 2023 at the Balanta Music Academy on Liverpool Street in Freetown, Leonus Di Genius’s Management along with family, friends, and fans, celebrated the talented young artist’s ten-year journey in the music industry with an unveiling of Leonus Di Genius’s show on December 25th at the Freetown Amusement Park.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Manager of Leonus Di Genius, Leonous Johnson, began by expressing gratitude and introducing the event, highlighting Leonus’s journey and achievements.
He reflected on how Leonus’s talent was discovered when he was just two years old, born into a family of entertainers and music lovers, stating that the family nurtured his talent, recorded his performances, and decided to share them with Sierra Leone.
Leonous Johnson said that his debut, the hit song “Buy for Me Sweet,” became the most played and trending song in the country, making him a star in his own right, continuing that Leonus’s early success predated the era of social media and streaming platforms, yet he managed to go viral and win the hearts of Sierra Leoneans.
He said that after several awards, presidential recognitions, big collaborations, branding with different companies like Spratley Charity Foundation UK/SL, High-Definition Vision, (HDV), United Nations Children Emergency Sierra, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Africell, DOFA, Caritas etc.
The Manager spoke of how Leonus has remained humbled and dedicated to both his formal and music education. He also praised his wife for her support and care.
“Leonus’s contributions to society include using his music to raise awareness on various issues, such as violence against children and youth during times of crisis, such as the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks and elections,” he revealed.
In recognition of his success, Leonus has gained a substantial following, even though his official Facebook page was hacked. The Manager announced the creation of a new page and website, which he unveiled as Leonus Di Genius.
On his part, Leonus Di Genius, making his statement, expressed gratitude to his family and fans, recognizing their unwavering support and the connection he shares with his followers.
In his heartfelt speech, he thanked his parents for their encouragement and emphasized how they have inspired him, underlining the importance of staying focused on education and music despite being a star. He acknowledged his parents as his greatest source of inspiration.
Leonus stressed that he wanted to be an inspiration to his peers and to protect the future generation from the challenges of modern society. He aspires to use his platform and music to promote wise media use, emphasizing the importance of a balanced education.
The young artist announced his annual December concert, which has run for seven consecutive years. Previous themes have tackled various issues, such as non-violence, health promotion, and education. This year’s theme: “Any How E B, We Shall Overcome,” signifies hope for Sierra Leone and its people.
Leonus Di Genius assured his supporters that the show on December 25th at the Freetown Amusement Park would be a memorable, impactful experience. He encouraged families to attend, emphasizing the power of achieving dreams together. The artist and his team are working tirelessly to create a fun-filled and impactful event.
He invited everyone to the concert, and during the press conference, the official poster for the Christmas show was unveiled.
As Leonus Di Genius commemorated his ten years in music, he left the audience with the inspiring slogan, “Any How E Be, We Shall Overcome.” It was a clear call to action and unity, leaving a sense of hope for the future.
Other stakeholders present at the ceremony include the Founder and CEO of Dorwontony Organization for the Aged, Dorren Barrie, the Chief Executive Officer of Caritas, Rev. Father Peter Konteh, Representative from Africell Sierra Leone, Abdulai Jalloh also made a statement congratulating Leonus Di Genius on his ten-year journey in the music industry.
They assured him of their continuous support towards his music career going forward.
The event concluded with the announcement of Leonus Di Genius’s upcoming annual event in December, which will celebrate children’s rights in Sierra Leone and mark his ten years in the music industry.
Leonus’s Manager and wife, on stage, then led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” and cutting of cake as Leonus turned twelve years old on October 23, 2023.
