AYV News, December 18, 2025
The first edition of the National Comedy Competition was officially launched on 16th December 2025 at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in Freetown. The initiative is a collaboration between Premier Media Group Limited and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), with partnership support from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The competition is scheduled to run from February to May 2026 and aims to promote creativity, humour, and national unity.
Speaking at the launch, Josephine Kamara, Director General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, said the partnership aligns with SLBC’s public service mandate to inform, educate, and entertain while promoting national culture. She noted that comedy plays a critical role in social expression by reflecting realities, challenging stereotypes, and fostering dialogue, adding that SLBC’s nationwide reach will ensure broad public participation.
Dr. Julius Spencer, Managing Director of Premier Media Group Limited, announced that the competition is open to all Sierra Leoneans aged 18 and above, including both emerging and established stand-up comedians. He explained that registration will be available online and through physical application forms at SLBC radio stations across the country, emphasizing the national significance of the initiative.
The competition was formally launched by Judith C. Jones, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, on behalf of the Minister, Nabeela Tunis. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting the competition through social media campaigns, collaborations with influencers and celebrities, roadshows, comedy events, and diaspora engagement to ensure wide visibility and participation.
According to the organizers, the competition will feature regional auditions, elimination rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a grand finale, culminating in five live shows before audiences. Winners will be determined through a combination of judges’ assessments and public SMS voting. The overall winner will receive a cash prize of NLe100,000, with the first and second runners-up receiving NLe30,000 and NLe20,000 respectively. Journalists at the event engaged the organisers during a question-and-answer session, highlighting strong media interest in an initiative expected to boost Sierra Leone’s creative and entertainment sectors.
