By: Abu H. Kargbo
Sierra Leonean award-winning musician Abu Bakarr S. Kabba, popularly known as Bakitenno, has unveiled the tracklist for his highly anticipated 18-track album, King of the Country Sound (KOTCS), featuring some of the country’s established and emerging music stars.
The album features collaborations with prominent entertainers, including Ambassador Kao Denero on “Husai Yu Komot?”, King Boss on “Wan Tem,” Shadow Boxxer on “Wuteteh,” and Samza on “This Life,” marking another musical partnership between Bakitenno and Samza.
The project also highlights emerging and diaspora-based talents, with Isat featuring on “Tonight,” former AYV Cypher King MIC on “Watin,” Baby Bernard on “We Dey Ya Fos,” and Badboy Ivy on “Na God.”
Before unveiling the full tracklist on social media, particularly Facebook, Bakitenno had released songs such as “Bismillah,” “Janka Nabay,” and “Scatter,” which generated interest in the forthcoming album.
Alongside the collaborations, the album includes solo tracks such as “KOTCS Intro,” “Update,” “Money,” “Foday Sankoh,” “Ah Lek Waist,” and “Well Na Dat.” The complete album contains 18 tracks, although the listed solo songs account for six tracks.
Bakitenno’s musical journey began during his high school years, when he wrote songs and rapped for friends. He later recorded several tracks at Buyas Records, a leading music studio in Makeni pioneered by “Made in Makeni.”
He subsequently moved to Freetown, where he gained national recognition with “Problem,” a collaboration with Samza that became one of his career-defining songs.
The success of “Problem” earned Bakitenno several accolades in 2025. The song won Best Song of the Year at both the Makeni All Fields of Life Awards and the National Social Awards. He also received the Best Collaboration Song award at the 2025 Makeni All Fields of Life Awards and was named Best New Act at the 2025 Sierra Leone Music Awards.
With KOTCS bringing together established musicians and emerging talents, the album is expected to attract attention within Sierra Leone’s music industry, particularly during the festive season.
The project also marks another milestone in Bakitenno’s career as he seeks to strengthen his position in the country’s competitive music scene.