Sierra Leonean Afrobeats sensation Betty Lamboi, known professionally as Jelly Bee, has clinched the prestigious “Most Trending Song of the Year” award at the Juju Jeks and TikTok Stars SL Awards 2024. The event, held at the Sierra Palms Hotel, honored her electrifying single High Tension, which has taken the music scene by storm.
High Tension: A Cross-Genre Hit
Released on November 6, 2024, High Tension masterfully blends the irresistible rhythms of Amapiano and Afrobeats. The track has gained massive popularity, amassing over 33,000 views on TikTok within weeks and attracting attention from celebrities across Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, and beyond. Available on all major streaming platforms, the song cements Jelly Bee’s position as a rising star in the African music industry.
Competing with Top Talent
Jelly Bee faced fierce competition from fellow nominees including Incredible JJ, Bless, Baki Tenno, Alieu Melody, Markmuday, Pop Ishmak, and Isat. Her win at the Juju Jeks and TikTok Stars SL Awards—an event dedicated to celebrating Sierra Leonean influencers and creators on TikTok—highlights her growing influence in both music and social media.
From Bo to Stardom
Born and raised in Bo, Sierra Leone, Jelly Bee’s musical journey began in junior secondary school. Her talent was recognized early, and her first song in 2016 earned her the title of “South Best Female Rapper” and an award. She skyrocketed to fame with her debut single 1 Gboya, released under the A-Bangz Originals record label.
A History of Success
The 1 Gboya music video, produced by Nega Don, surpassed 500,000 views on YouTube, becoming a benchmark for Sierra Leonean music videos. Many fans consider it one of the best visual productions by an artist from the country.
In 2023, Jelly Bee made her mark with her rap debut and subsequent collaboration with Nega Don and Nigerian producer Masterkraft to create High Tension. Despite receiving mixed reviews for its lyrical content, the track was a commercial hit, ranking among the top Afrobeats tracks and Top 100 songs in Nigeria.
The Future is Bright
Jelly Bee’s journey from her humble beginnings in Bo to international recognition is a testament to her talent and determination. With her unique sound, infectious energy, and growing fanbase, Jelly Bee is undoubtedly poised to achieve even greater milestones in the global music scene.