Unity, Talent, and Progress
The official platform for Sierra Leonean musicians, DJs, MCs, producers, models, footballers, actors, comedians, content creators and event organizers across the United Arab Emirates — protecting welfare, discipline, professionalism and creative excellence under one union.
On Stage · Dubai
Annual GalaOne union, one voice for Sierra Leone's creative industry in the Gulf.
SLEI-UAE is the constitutionally established home for every Sierra Leonean creative and sports professional in the Emirates — from record labels and DJ collectives to football teams and fashion houses.
Read the full constitution- Unite all Sierra Leonean entertainers and sports personalities across the UAE.
- Promote strict professionalism, discipline and artistic creativity.
- Protect members' legal rights, professional interests and general welfare.
- Create sustainable opportunities for entertainment and sports development.
- Showcase and promote Sierra Leonean culture and heritage internationally.
- Discover, mentor and support upcoming Sierra Leonean talent in the UAE.
- Partner with the Sierra Leone Embassy, UAE institutions and corporate sponsors.
- Regulate, endorse and standardize entertainment and sports activities.
The industry in numbers
Governed by an elected leadership
The Executive Council serves as the administrative arm of the Union. All officers serve a strict one-year term from the date of swearing-in, subject to a fresh electoral process and stakeholder review.
Transparent, member-owned funding
All fees are non-refundable and audited every three months. Every dirham collected is recorded by the Financial Secretary and deposited with the Treasurer.
- Card-carrying member of SLEI-UAE
- Vote at General Assemblies
- Access to Union welfare support
- Featured in the members' directory
- Keeps membership status active
- Funds operational costs & welfare
- Required to retain voting rights
- Payable to the Financial Secretary
- Register a crew, label or football team
- Right to use the SLEI-UAE endorsement
- Event protection & Union stamp
- Access to welfare & sponsorship pipeline
Presidential / VP nomination form: 500 AED (non-refundable) · UAE Emirates ID with ≥ 6 months validity required to contest office.
Rhythm of the Union
Quarterly General Assemblies
Every 3 months, the full membership convenes to review finances, welfare and upcoming events. Every audit is presented in the open.
Monthly Executive Meetings
The Executive Council meets monthly to coordinate operations, review sector reports and enforce constitutional mandates.
Sub-Sector Guilds
Music, DJs, MCs, Footballers, Models, Content Creators, Producers, Promoters, Dancers, Actors and Media each have their own sector executive.
Fair-Hearing Discipline
No member is penalised blindly. The Disciplinary Committee summons the accused, presents evidence and grants a fair defence before any verdict.
Moments from the movement
Concerts, galas, tournaments and cultural nights — hosted, staged and secured under the SLEI-UAE endorsement across the Emirates.
Headline Concert · Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
DJ Union Night · Downtown Dubai
SLEI-UAE Unity Cup · Al Wasl Sports Club
Independence Gala · Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi
Distinguished Members
Mariama Kallon
Visual Arts • Dubai
Ishmael Sesay
Music Production • Abu Dhabi
Zainab Jalloh
Publicity • Sharjah
Mohamed Bangura
Fashion Design • Ajman
What our members say
“SLEI-UAE gave our label a legal voice in the Emirates. When we book a show now, promoters take us seriously — the Union stamp changed the room.
Alhaji K. Bangura
Founder, Freetown Sound Records · Dubai
“Before the Union, we were scattered across seven emirates. Today we rehearse together, we defend each other, and we celebrate every win as one Sierra Leone.
Isata Turay
Chairperson, Women's Sector · Sharjah
“The welfare fund covered my medical bill when nobody else would. That is not a slogan — that is family, in writing.
Coach Momoh Sesay
SL Diaspora FC · Abu Dhabi
Calendar
View all eventsDispatches
All newsStay Informed
Subscribe to the SLEI-UAE dispatch for invitations, member spotlights, audit reports and industry announcements.
Get in Touch
Secretariat · United Arab Emirates
sierraleoneentertainmentindust@gmail.com
+971 58 259 8181
Contact the secretariat