By : Tejan Macavoray
Freetown Born Linda Samai, but popularly known by her stage name Starzee, the multi-award-winning Sierra Leonean Female artist has become one of the country’s most celebrated contemporary voices. From her early beginnings as a teenage performer to her rise as an international hip-hop and dancehall star, Starzee has consistently carried Sierra Leone’s cultural identity onto global platforms.
Now, she has turned her spotlight toward honoring one of the greats who came before her—the legendary Patricia Abubakarr. In a heartfelt homage captured in moving footage, Starzee paid tribute to the late singer, recognizing her as a trailblazer whose influence continues to shape Sierra Leone’s music industry.
For Starzee, the homage was more than performance—it was an act of remembrance and gratitude. She described Patricia Abubakarr as a cultural pioneer whose music embodied resilience, creativity, and leadership, reminding today’s generation of artists that their successes are built on the foundations laid by those before them.
The tribute emphasizes the power of legacy and mentorship, with Starzee using her platform to highlight the importance of celebrating pioneers rather than allowing their contributions to fade into history.
Patricia Abubakarr became a household name in the 1970s and 1980s as the powerful vocalist of the Afro National Band, founded in 1972 in Freetown. Under the leadership of her husband, Sulay Abubakarr, the band blended highlife, jazz, and traditional African rhythms, producing a sound that resonated across West Africa and beyond.
At a time when few women held centre stage, Patricia broke barriers with her commanding presence and unmatched artistry. Her voice helped propel Afro National to international recognition and secured her place as one of Sierra Leone’s most influential cultural figures. She remains a role model for women in music, both at home and abroad.
Starzee’s journey began in her teenage years, when she performed with Stress Inc. Records before joining the pioneering all-female group Ladies Day Out (L.D.O.). Their debut album, Focus On Africa (1998), catapulted her into national prominence.
Since going solo in 2003, Starzee has released several albums, including her most recent, Collabo. Her music has taken her to international stages in the United Kingdom and Australia, and she has collaborated with African music giants like Stonebwoy and Patoranking.
But beyond her success, Starzee has dedicated herself to mentorship and cultural promotion, ensuring Sierra Leonean music continues to resonate globally while nurturing emerging talents at home.
By paying tribute to Patricia Abubakarr, Starzee bridges Sierra Leone’s musical past with its present and future. The homage is both a celebration of Patricia’s artistry and a call to action for preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the full tribute footage, which promises to showcase both the emotional weight of Patricia Abubakarr’s legacy and the depth of Starzee’s admiration.
Through this act of homage, Starzee demonstrates how contemporary artists can honor their predecessors—ensuring that the legacies of Sierra Leone’s cultural icons remain alive while inspiring new generations to pursue their craft with courage, creativity, and pride.
