Emerson Amidu Bockarie (born on December 23, 1977 in Kenema, Sierra Leone) better known by his first name Emerson is an internationally recognised Sierra Leonean afropop musician and the biggest and most famous musician from Sierra Leone at present. He uses his music against political corruption in Sierra Leone, while addressing the struggle of poor Sierra Leoneans. He sings mostly in Krio and English.
Early life and careerEmerson Amidu Bockarie was born in Sierra Leone’s third largest city of Kenema to parents from the Mende ethnic group. In 2003, he recorded his first album titled Borbor Bele. His first single ‘U Go See Am’ was an instant hit as he directly called out Sierra Leoneans to stand against corrupt politicians who never live up to their promises. This song was nominated for best single at the Sierra Leonean Premier Music Awards (PMA) in Freetown in 2004.
Shortly after his first single, he released his second album single titled ’Borbor Bele’, depicting a corrupt civil servant or non-governmental organization employee who steals public resources. There was an attempt to ban the ‘Borbor Bele’ title track in Sierra Leone, but it was unsuccessful due to public support and it continued to play on the radio. The song received unprecedented airplay. His third song titled ’Tutu Pati’ was his most commercially successful song to date. Emerson’s album overall was highly successful at home and internationally.
Here is Emerson doing "Elizabeth," one of his popular songs:
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