Jelly Bee: The Vibrant Voice of Sierra Leonean Music

Betty Lamboi famously known as ” Jelly Bee” was born and raised in Bo, Sierra Leone. The gifted lyricist has a certificate in computer Software, a diploma in procurement and supply chain management and a soon to be a certified degree holder in Business Administration from IPAM, University of Sierra Leone.


Jelly Bee started music in Junior Secondary school but recorded her first song in 2016, which earned her an award and recognition as the South Best Female Rapper. An award, which she won four consecutive times at BEA (Bo Entertainment Awards). She has released many songs and featured top Sierra Leonan stars such as I-tribe, Deeno Jay, A Bangs and Nigga Don to name a few.


She was part of the best rap musical group in Bo City known as the ‘Sugar Flow Factory’ before getting signed to her new label ABANGZ originals in 2023.


Her debut offering under the label imprint, a catchy Afrobeats tune titled ‘I Gboya” which features Deeno Jay.


Aside from music, Jelly Bee is also a passionate feminist and advocates for the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone.


In this interview with Upper Entertainment, the star talks about her background, musical style and inspirations, challenges as well as breakthroughs, visions, creative process, the music industry and more.

Jelly Bee, you’ve been in the music industry since 2016. Can you tell us what first sparked your passion for music during your school days in Bo town?


Growing up, I used to mime songs, which helped me develop a strong connection to music. During high school, whenever our school held a variety show, I participated in most music-related activities. This experience sparked my passion for music.

In past interviews, You’ve described yourself as a teacher, preacher, and entertainer. How do these roles manifest in your music and performances?


My music conveys messages and teaches life lessons while also being entertaining. Listening to my music is enjoyable and creates a unique vibe because it resonates on a different level.



Your journey includes several awards, especially in the Bo Entertainment Awards. How did these early accolades shape your confidence and career trajectory?


Winning awards has strengthened my belief in my journey and the possibility of achieving my goals. Each award I win feels like a step closer to success, and it has always been a positive milestone in any entertainer’s journey. Winning awards has shaped me positively and serves as motivation to put more effort into my career. It’s an amazing achievement that allows me to see my progress and potential. I’m forever grateful for these recognitions because, without them, I might not be here on one of the biggest platforms in the entertainment industry.



Your music mixes traditional rap with diverse sounds. What inspired you to blend these elements, and how do you ensure your music remains relatable to different audiences?


My inspiration comes from the desire to be different and to share my local dialect with the world. Since not everyone understands my dialect, I make sure to focus on high-quality production that creates a vibe everyone can relate to.

You have said that real-life experiences and society inspire your songs of hope, love, and peace. Can you share a specific experience that shaped one of your songs?



My family had a terrible experience with neighbors who took advantage of us by seizing our land, which contained a five-bedroom house and other properties, because they had power and connections. My dad was denied justice and access to our home. Witnessing my family’s pain while they searched for a place to stay before relocating to our hometown deeply affected me. As a child, I felt helpless in that situation. This experience weighed heavily on my dad, causing him to feel less of a man since he couldn’t reclaim his property, leading to depression and ultimately his early death. This inspired me to write a song titled “Better Than,” where I tell our story.



How would you describe the unique mix of African and European sounds that you bring to your music and What does this blend represent to you culturally and artistically?


I believe my music represents a perfect blend of African and European sounds, making it relatable across borders. This approach helps to promote me as an artist and showcases my country and its culture, sparking curiosity about where I come from and the language in my songs.

Your latest single, “High Tension,” produced by Nigeria’s Masterkraft, represents a new genre for you. What was the most challenging and rewarding part of this venture?


Working with a professional producer like Masterkraft was a learning process. He understood the market and suggested we try something different, pushing me out of my comfort zone. I approached the collaboration with an open mind, and the results speak for themselves—“High Tension” has gained widespread attention.

My biggest dream is to win a BET Award and a Grammy. To achieve this, I have started recording with big producers who have an international audience. I am also collaborating with artists from different countries to expand my reach, just as “High Tension” is crossing borders right now.

Jelly Bee, 2024

You mentioned recording “High Tension” all night with spontaneous writing from hook to verse. How did this raw creative process shape the final track?


I was excited to explore something new, so I aimed to demonstrate my eagerness, energy, and seriousness about my career. I quickly put in the work after Masterkraft completed the beat. This collaborative effort led to a final product that I consider a masterpiece.

You joined A-Bangz Originals in 2023. How has your new label helped you grow artistically, compared to your earlier days with Sugar Flow Factory?


A-Bangz Originals is a professional company that offers more than just entertainment, and working with them has been exceptional. They provided everything an artist needs from management and more. The improvements I’ve experienced during my time with them compared to my previous work with Sugar Flow are clearly visible.

You aim to become one of the most educated musicians from Sierra Leone while also making a global mark in music. How has your academic background influenced your music and approach to the industry?



In the entertainment industry, it’s becoming common for artists to abandon their education after achieving success. However, I strongly oppose this trend because I believe education adds value to any endeavor. As a certified degree holder with two qualifications and plans to pursue my Master’s while continuing my music career, I take pride in my education. Many parents now look to me as a role model for their children, which has helped me build a substantial fanbase.

Your goal is to win prestigious awards like the BETs and Grammys. What steps are you taking to make your music resonate with international audiences?


My biggest dream is to win a BET Award and a Grammy. To achieve this, I have started recording with big producers who have an international audience. I am also collaborating with artists from different countries to expand my reach, just as “High Tension” is crossing borders right now.

What does the term “global superstar” mean to you personally? How do you balance staying true to your Sierra Leonean roots while pursuing worldwide recognition?


A global superstar is someone who excels in their craft and possesses tremendous fame. I believe in staying true to my Sierra Leonean roots because authenticity is essential to becoming the best version of oneself. Trying to be someone you’re not leads nowhere, as it only sells someone else’s culture. The international audience is eager to learn about and explore new cultures, which is why I proudly share mine by being myself.

Can you walk us through your production process when creating a song? What elements do you prioritize to ensure your sound remains fresh and authentic?


During my production process, I prioritize my local dialect and sound because they define who I am as Jelly Bee. The moment you listen to my music, you will recognize my identity without me needing to call my name.

Krio, English, and metaphor play a strong role in your lyrics. How do you weave these linguistic elements together to create powerful storytelling?


One thing people need to know about me is the blend of Krio, English and metaphor play is a complete sentence that makes sense that is to say whatever am saying in Krio will continue in English and my local dialect which will create a powerful story line.

“High Tension” explores attraction and intensity. Why was it important for you to bring such emotions into this track, and what message do you hope listeners take away?


High Tension is a love song describing the type of man/woman you love as in telling people your desire in them. So it’s relatable to everyone cause there are people who believe in love and High Tension cannot just be relatable to your boyfriend or girlfriend but rather anyone or anything you love and can’t do without, it can be your mum, dad, kids or even money. So the message is for people to go in for what they want instead of going for something or someone else and try to force them to change into what they want.

West African music continues to grow on the global stage. How do you see Sierra Leonean music evolving within this wave of popularity, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?


Sierra Leonean music is poised to evolve significantly within the growing wave of West African musical popularity, leveraging its unique cultural heritage and contemporary influences. Artists like myself aim to be at the forefront of this evolution by blending traditional sounds with modern genres, thereby appealing to both local and international audiences. Through collaborations, innovative productions, and active engagement on digital platforms, I hope to showcase Sierra Leone’s rich musical landscape, promote its narratives, and contribute to the global appreciation of its artistry. This approach not only preserves cultural identity but also positions Sierra Leonean music as a vibrant part of the global music scene.

What advice would you give to aspiring female rappers and singers from Sierra Leone looking to make their mark in the music industry?


My advice to every young Sierra Leonean female rappers or singers is to be their own authentic self and be original, don’t try to be anybody else just try be creative cause you have something unique in you that you need to show to the world, also persevere don’t back down by negative energy or criticism, use them to build yourself up and lastly make sure to be educated because education adds value to anything you do.

What’s a surprising fact about you that your fans may not know?


One fact people don’t know about me is that love to be in my space to have some me time, have a lot of mood swings which I know and do try hard to manage it as I can be very unpredictable in such mood.

If you could collaborate with any artist, either from Sierra Leone or internationally, who would it be and why?


I would love to feature Drizilik from Sierra Leone because he’s very talented, creative, original, hardworking and believes in his authentic self and that has made him who he is and where he is right now.

Your social media presence, particularly on IG as @JellyBee, shows glimpses of your life. How important is it for you to connect with your fans through these platforms?

My relationship with my Honey Bees is key so I try as much I can to keep them updated and I do reply to some of their comments, repost anything they post about me on their stories. By so doing, we stay connected.