By: Alusine Rehme Wilson
Sierra Leonean music legend Jimmy Bangura alias Jimmy B on Friday, November 14, 2025 paid a heartfelt tribute to fellow musician and long-time collaborator Daddy Saj, celebrating not just his 50th birthday, but a brotherhood forged through struggle, resilience, and creativity.
“Today, I celebrate loyalty. I celebrate gratitude and respect. I celebrate Daddy SAJ, Jimmy B begins, taking readers back to their first encounter nearly three decades ago.
The year was 1997. Conakry, Guinea had become a place of refuge for thousands fleeing the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone.
Amid the uncertainty and chaos, Jimmy B met a young refugee, full of energy, ambition, and raw talent, whose fire left a lasting impression on him. That young man was Daddy Saj.
Over several conversations and spontaneous musical exchanges, Jimmy B felt a spark that would change the trajectory of Sierra Leone’s post-war entertainment industry.
Inspired and re-energized, he returned home after the war and founded Paradise Records, a label that would eventually shape the modern sound of Sierra Leonean music, and Daddy Saj became his first official signing.
Their journey was anything but easy. Together, they weathered the turbulence of rebuilding a music industry in a nation emerging from conflict.
Paradise Records grew into a cultural symbol, producing hits, nurturing talent, and giving young Sierra Leoneans hope and identity through music.
Through all the highs and lows, Daddy Saj remained a constant, steady, loyal, and unwavering.
Jimmy Bangura recalls that SAJ is not just as an artist, but as a trusted lieutenant and a true brother. A man who spoke highly of his mentor even in his absence, something Jimmy B, notes is rare in a world increasingly shaped by rivalry and ingratitude.
“He never flinched. He never wavered,” Jimmy B reflects. He would always let me and others know how much of an influence I was in his life. And for this I am honored.”
Despite the passing years and their individual pursuits, Daddy Saj’s loyalty never faded. Jimmy B notes that it is “rare for him not to reach out at least once a month,” a simple act that speaks volumes about character and gratitude.
As Daddy Saj celebrates his 50th birthday, a milestone that resonates deeply in African cultures, Jimmy B offers blessings that echo beyond the music industry stating that: “Daddy Saj, you are the definition of gratitude, loyalty, and respect. May you live to celebrate many more years in good health and prosperity. God’s favor, God’s grace, and abundant blessings I wish you today and always.”
Jimmy Bangura concluded stating that his November 14, 2025 birthday tribute to his colleague, is "more than a birthday message but a tribute to friendship, a nod to history, and a reminder of the quiet, powerful bonds that shape artistic legacies. Happy blessed 50th birthday, Daddy Saj."
The celebrant, Daddy Saj, whose biological name is Joseph Gerald Adolphus Cole remains one of Sierra Leone’s most impactful socially conscious musicians, celebrated for using hip-hop fused with traditional rhythms to confront corruption, injustice, and social misconduct.
He rose to prominence in music 22 years ago with his memorable album titled "Corruption E Do So" as an independent artist after parting ways with his former record label paradise record.
His melody, "Corruption E Do So,” elevated him to become a national voice for accountability, influencing both public dialogue and a new generation of artists.
Having started his musical career under Jimmy Bangura’s Paradise Records before creating his own label, eventually, Daddy Saj Entertainment, has in the last two decades built a legacy rooted in courage and truth-telling.
Beyond music, Daddy SAJ stands tall as one of the most educated musicians to have pursued higher education in the United States, earning nursing degrees while maintaining his commitment to moral leadership and community upliftment.
With over two decades in the entertainment sector, Daddy SAJ's life and work continue to symbolize integrity, resilience, and the power of art to drive social change, no doubt he's being celebrated by his former boss, Jimmy B who's largely regarded as Sierra Leone's musical godfathers.
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