At a time when many musicians in Sierra Leone believe success lies in relocating to Freetown, Yayah Wyem Muctarr, known by his stage name Wyem, has chosen to remain in Bo City, building his music career from the south while focusing on community impact.
“I don’t want Bo City to be short of quality musicians,” Wyem said. “I want to be among the people who can influence young people in a good way.”
Wyem’s connection to music began in primary school after his elder cousin recommended him to fill a vacant role in the school band. Despite his young age, he performed well. Outside school, he improvised instruments using bowls, entertaining his sisters as they danced—early moments that helped shape his interest in performance.
By secondary school, Wyem had begun writing rap lyrics and closely following established artists in Bo City, studying their sound and stage presence. His musical identity was shaped by a blend of influences. Inspired by Shaka Bundu’s sound and style, as well as the music of 2Pac and reggae, Wyem developed an approach that blends singing and rap. Shaka Bundu is a South African artist whose influence is evident in Wyem’s delivery. Exposure to American hip hop at home, through his older brothers, further strengthened his connection to rap.
Although music played a central role in his life, Wyem initially viewed it as secondary. That perception changed between 2009 and 2010, when he began working closely with music producers in Bo City and later in Freetown. The experience marked a turning point, convincing him that music was no longer just a hobby but something worth pursuing seriously.
His decision was not without challenges. Raised in a religious household where music was considered forbidden, Wyem faced resistance from his family. He said it took time and persistence to help them understand that music could be meaningful and positive.
Wyem’s creative process is grounded in personal experience and observation. He draws inspiration from different music styles around the world and often writes while alone. Some songs begin with a title, while others are inspired by real-life situations involving himself or people close to him.
In the studio, Wyem works closely with producers and remains actively involved in shaping his songs. After a beat is created, he records his vocals and helps guide the direction of the track before final mixing. He describes his sound as dancehall rap or reggae rap, with rap serving as the foundation of every style he explores. The fusion is commonly referred to as “Upkotry Vybz.”
Although he started with a focus on hip hop, Wyem’s sound has continued to evolve. He has recently experimented with country music, exploring how it can be blended with Sierra Leonean rap to create something new.
One of his recent releases, Na Wae Normor, tells the story of a relationship that began positively but later fell apart due to unforeseen circumstances. Wyem said his aim is for listeners to find peace, calmness, love, and joy through his music.
By choosing to remain in Bo City, Wyem says he has built a strong connection with his audience. Much of his support comes from offline listeners, including older residents who stop him on the street after hearing his songs. He said those encounters motivate him to continue, while his growing online following also plays an important role in pushing his work forward.
Wyem advises young artists to remain patient, respectful, and willing to learn from those who came before them. He believes his music contributes to positive change in his community and hopes to continue influencing young people through his work.
Looking ahead, Wyem hopes to collaborate with Nigerian artist Burna Boy and Sierra Leonean musicians such as Star Zee, Emerson, Mus B, and Drizilik. He also aims to perform on major stages, including Afronation, London’s O2 Arena, and Madison Square Garden in the United States.
Outside of music, Wyem is involved in agribusiness. Together with his mother, he supports small-scale farmers by providing seeds and cash, which are repaid after harvest. He said the work is necessary, as music alone does not yet provide a stable income.
For Wyem, staying in Bo City is both a personal decision and a statement that meaningful cultural influence can be built outside the capital.
