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If you haven’t heard of Gbamgbaode, you’re missing out. What started as an underground club night in Freetown has evolved into one of West Africa’s most electrifying festival experiences—an immersive celebration of music, culture, and community that’s rewriting the narrative for Sierra Leone’s creative scene. At the heart of it all is Lahai Henry Ndoko, the visionary behind the movement, who has taken the festival from a wild idea to a cultural juggernaut that merges global talent with local ingenuity. But Gbamgbaode is more than just a party—it’s a statement, a space where the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs are finding their voices. We caught up with Henry to talk about the spark that started it all, the growing pains of building something from scratch, and what’s next for Sierra Leone’s biggest festival.
Noted Noire: Take us back to the beginning. Was there a specific moment when you realised Sierra Leone needed something like Gbamgbaode?
Lahai Henry Ndoko: I had been hosting club events and private parties for a while, but the real turning point was in 2021. I threw a night at Scarlet with Skillz 8figure and Oxlade, and by 11 PM, the venue was packed to capacity—people were still trying to get in, but there was no space left. The energy was insane, and the feedback afterwards was even crazier. That’s when I knew Sierra Leone was ready for something on a much bigger scale. A year later, Gbamgbaode was born.
NN: Gbamgbaode doesn’t follow the typical festival blueprint. What made you want to break the mould?
LHN: I didn’t just want to throw another festival—I wanted to create an experience. In Africa, events often follow the same structure, but I wanted Gbamgbaode to feel different. It had to be immersive, unpredictable, and meaningful. Every edition has a theme, and we don’t just focus on music—we incorporate fashion, art, and conversations that matter. When we hosted Ayra Starr and Ruger, for example, we didn’t just have them perform. Ayra led a women’s empowerment seminar where she spoke about using social media to build a career. That kind of impact is what makes Gbamgbaode stand out.
NN: Building something this big isn’t easy. What was the hardest part of bringing it to life?
LHN: The hardest part? Getting people to believe in it from the start. When you introduce something new, there’s always doubt. Nobody sees the vision until you make it real. In the beginning, we had no sponsors, no big backers—we funded everything ourselves. But once we set the tone and proved what we could do, things started to shift. Consistency is key. Now, we’ve broken into the global market, and people are paying attention.
NN: Has the journey changed you? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
LHN: It’s been life-changing, no doubt. Gbamgbaode has given me a platform to speak to the youth and show them that they can create their own opportunities. It’s also expanded my network in ways I never expected—I’ve met incredible mentors who’ve helped shape my vision.
The biggest lesson? Listen more than you speak. When you listen, you understand the problem better, and that helps you find the right solutions. Also, I don’t believe in setbacks—every challenge is a lesson.
NN: Gbamgbaode is more than a festival; it’s shaping Sierra Leone’s creative industry. What impact do you think it’s having?
LHN: We’ve shown young creatives what’s possible. In the past, there weren’t many platforms for artists, DJs, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work at this scale. Now, they see the benefits of stepping outside the box. Gbamgbaode has inspired so many young people to build their own brands because they see what happens when you take risks. We’re not just throwing events—we’re creating a movement.
NN: What’s next? Do you see Gbamgbaode expanding beyond Sierra Leone?
LHN: Absolutely. We’re already planning expansions for 2025/2026. The goal is to make Sierra Leone a top cultural and tourist destination, and we’re not slowing down anytime soon. We’re constantly pushing for bigger, bolder challenges. The vision is global.
NN: Pulling off an event of this scale takes serious collaboration. What’s your approach to partnerships?
LHN: At first, it was tough—brands and investors usually wait to see proof before they commit. That meant we had to put our own money in to make the first few events happen. But now, after delivering successful editions, partners are starting to see the value in what we’re building. With every year, it gets easier, and our network of collaborators keeps growing.
NN: How did you get into the entertainment industry? Was this always the plan?
Not at all. I started throwing private events during the COVID era when most places were shut down. Word spread about how seamless and well-executed they were, and things started snowballing. After a while, I got bored of doing the same thing, so we started renting vendor booths at events around Freetown to test out new ideas. The response was amazing, and that’s when I knew we had to take it further. Fast forward three years, and we’ve hosted six festivals.
NN: Your background is unique—born in London, but you built your legacy in Sierra Leone. How has that shaped your perspective?
I was born and raised in London but moved to Sierra Leone in 2006 to attend the Lebanese International School. School wasn’t really for me—I got expelled after a few years, which pushed me to focus on real-life skills instead. That experience made me think differently about success.
Luckily, my family has always supported me as long as I was doing something positive. That freedom gave me the confidence to take risks and create something impactful. If I hadn’t had that support, I don’t know if I would’ve had the courage to do what I’m doing now.
