By Abdul Kamara

Organizers of Sierra Leone’s biggest entertainment event, ECOFEST, have announced the postponement of the 2025 edition, citing continued challenges in securing a suitable venue while the Siaka Stevens National Stadium remains under renovation.

In a statement issued by the ECOFEST management team, organizers expressed regret over the decision but said it was made in the interest of safety and maintaining the festival’s high standards.

“The safety of our fans, artists, and partners has always been non-negotiable. We would rather pause than compromise on the quality and integrity that our audience deserves,” the statement read.

Over the past four years, the team has explored several alternative venues across the country, conducting feasibility studies and consultations with local authorities. However, none of the locations were found suitable to accommodate the large-scale event, which attracts thousands of fans and performers from across Africa.

While smaller versions of the festival were previously held at alternative venues, organizers said those experiences exposed serious limitations, including poor crowd control, insufficient emergency access, unstable power supply, and inadequate infrastructure.

After extensive planning and consultations with venue managers and security experts, it became clear that hosting the festival this year would pose significant logistical and safety risks. The high costs of upgrading temporary venues were also deemed unsustainable.

“We have always taken pride in delivering a world-class event that celebrates African music, unity, and culture,” the organizers stated. “But this year, the circumstances have made it impossible to stage the festival at the level our audience expects.”

ECOFEST, founded to showcase African talent and creativity, has become one of the continent’s most anticipated music events, drawing performers from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and beyond. Its postponement has been met with disappointment from fans and industry players alike.

The organizers, however, assured supporters that the festival will return stronger in 2026, with plans already underway to secure a venue that meets international safety and logistical standards.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to believe in ECOFEST. This is not the end, it is only a pause. We are committed to coming back with a safer, more accessible venue that delivers the unforgettable experience ECOFEST stands for,” the statement concluded.

Updates on the festival’s return will be shared through ECOFEST’s official communication platforms.

The team put it simply: “The music will play again louder, brighter and stronger than ever.”