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Top 10 Celebrities Embracing Temne Roots

6 min read January 24, 2024

The Temne people are an ethnic group native to Sierra Leone. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in the country, and have a rich culture and history. Many Temne people have gained fame and recognition in various fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports.

  • Edward Blyden: Pan-Africanist and author, was one of the first Africans to write extensively about the history and culture of Africa. He was a strong advocate for African independence and unity, and his work helped to inspire a generation of African leaders.
  • Samuel Alfred Crowther: Was a Nigerian-born clergyman and missionary bishop in the Anglican Church. He was the first African to be ordained a bishop in the Anglican Church, and was also the first African to preach a sermon in Westminster Abbey.
  • Ahmad Tejan Kabbah: Sierra Leonean politician who served as the President of Sierra Leone from 1996 to 2007. He was the first democratically elected president after the Sierra Leonean Civil War, and his presidency was marked by a period of relative peace and stability.
  • Ernest Bai Koroma: Sierra Leonean politician who served as the President of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018. He was the first president to be elected for a second term in office, and his presidency was marked by a period of economic growth and development.
  • Issa Sesay: Sierra Leonean journalist and human rights activist. He is the founder of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, and has been a vocal critic of the Sierra Leonean government. He has also been a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone.
  • Joseph Saidu Momoh: Sierra Leonean military officer and politician who served as the President of Sierra Leone from 1985 to 1992. He was the last president of the First Republic of Sierra Leone, and his presidency was marked by a period of economic decline and political instability.
  • John Karefa-Smart: Sierra Leonean politician who served as the Prime Minister of Sierra Leone from 1961 to 1964. He was the first prime minister of Sierra Leone after independence, and his government was responsible for the country’s early years of independence.
  • Siaka Stevens: Sierra Leonean politician who served as the Prime Minister of Sierra Leone from 1967 to 1971, and as the President of Sierra Leone from 1971 to 1985. He was the first president of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, and his presidency was marked by a period of economic growth and political stability.
  • Milton Margai: Sierra Leonean physician and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Sierra Leone from 1961 to 1964. He was the first prime minister of Sierra Leone after independence, and his government was responsible for the country’s early years of independence.
  • Momodu Koroma: Sierra Leonean academic and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Sierra Leone from 1971 to 1975. He was the first prime minister of the Third Republic of Sierra Leone, and his government was responsible for the country’s early years of the Third Republic.
The Limba people are an ethnic group in Sierra Leone. They represent 12.4% of the total population, making them the third largest ethnic group in Sierra Leone. The Limba are based in the north of the country across seven provinces, but are predominantly found in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. The Limba are believed to be the earliest indigenous people of Sierra Leone. They speak a distinctive language that is unrelated to the other languages in Sierra Leone.They are primarily found in the Northern Province, particularly in Bombali District, Koinadugu, Kambia District, Karene District and Tonkolili District but a small number are found in Guinea.During Sierra Leone's colonial era, thousands of Limbas migrated to the capital city of Freetown and its Western Area. As a result, a significant number of Limbas can be found in Freetown and its surrounding Western Area. During the 16th, 17th, and 18th century, many Limba people were shipped to North America as slaves. The Limba are mainly rice farmers, traders, and hunters who live in the savannah-woodland region in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. They predominate in 16 of Sierra Leone's 190 rural chiefdoms in Sierra Leone, and their community affairs are dominated by the local paramount chiefs. Major Limba Towns include: Bafodia, Wara-Wara Yagala Chiefdom, Kabala, Kamakwie, Binkolo, Kamabai, Madina, Fadugu, Kamasasa, Mabonto and Kamasigi.

Most Famous Temne People

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Temne Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Temne community is one of the largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leone, with a rich and vibrant history. With a population of over 3 million, the Temne people are predominantly found in the northern and western regions of the country. As a community, the Temne have a strong sense of cultural identity and have made significant contributions to the country’s history and heritage. Here are three well-known historical inheritances associated with the Temne heritage:

  • The Sorie Kakanday Ancestry
  • The Yengema Diamond Mines
  • The Kpa Mende

1. The Sorie Kakanday Ancestry: The Temne community is known for their strong oral tradition and storytelling. One of the most famous historical figures in Temne culture is Sorie Kakanday, a legendary warrior and chieftain who fought against British colonial rule in the 19th century. Sorie Kakanday is celebrated for his bravery and leadership, and his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the Temne people.

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2. The Yengema Diamond Mines: Sierra Leone is known for its rich mineral resources, including diamonds. The Yengema Diamond Mines, located in the eastern part of the country, have been historically associated with the Temne community. The mining of diamonds in this region has played a significant role in the country’s economy, and the Temne people have been actively involved in the industry, both as workers and as entrepreneurs.

3. The Kpa Mende: The Temne community has a longstanding relationship with the Mende people, another major ethnic group in Sierra Leone. This relationship is symbolized by the traditional initiation ceremony known as the Kpa Mende, where young boys from the Temne community are taken to a Mende village to undergo a period of initiation and rites of passage. This ceremony is seen as a bonding experience between the two communities and is a testament to the cultural diversity and unity of Sierra Leone.

The Temne community has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in their history and traditions. From legendary warriors like Sorie Kakanday to their involvement in the diamond mining industry and their unique relationship with the Mende people, the Temne people have made significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s cultural and historical landscape.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Malagasy, Sereer and Pulaar roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Factsheet About Temne People

Country Population Language Religion
Total %
Sierra Leone 2,448,439 37.5 Temne, Krio, English Islam, Christianity, Traditional
Guinea 114,000 1 Temne, French Islam, Christianity
Liberia 6,000 0.1 Temne, English Christianity, Traditional
United Kingdom 4,516 0.1 Temne, English Christianity
The Temne, also called Atemne, Témené, Temné, Téminè, Temeni, Thaimne, Themne, Thimni, Timené, Timné, Timmani, or Timni, are a West African ethnic group, They are predominantly found in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. Some Temne are also found in Guinea. The Temne constitute the largest ethnic group in Sierra Leone, at 35.5% of the total population, which is slightly bigger than the Mende people at 31.2%. They speak Temne, a Mel branch of the Niger–Congo languages.The Temne people migrated from the Futa Jallon region of Guinea, who left their original settlements to escape Fula jihads in the 15th century, and migrated south before settling between the Kolenté and Rokel River area of Sierra Leone. They initially practiced their traditional religion before Islam was adopted through contact with Muslim traders from neighboring ethnic groups. Though most Temne converted to Islam over time, Some have continued with their traditional religion.The Temne are traditionally farmers, growing rice, cassava, millet and kola nut. Their cash crops include peanuts and tobacco. Some Temne are fisherman, artisans and traders. Temne society is patrilineal. It has featured a decentralized political system with village chiefs and an endogamous hierarchical social stratification. The Temne were one of the ethnic groups that were victims of slave capture and trading across the sub-Saharan and across the Atlantic into European colonies.

The Ancient Heritage of Temne Ethnic Groups

Temne Ethnicity: References and Resources

The Temne ethnic group is one of the largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leone, with a population of over two million. They are mainly concentrated in the northern part of the country, particularly in the districts of Bombali, Port Loko, Koinadugu, and Tonkolili. The Temne people have a rich history and culture, and several references and resources can be explored to learn more about them.

  • “Sierra Leone: Inside the War” by Sorious Samura: This documentary film provides a powerful insight into the civil war in Sierra Leone and includes interviews and stories from the Temne people who were affected by the conflict.
  • “The Temne of Sierra Leone: African Agency in the Making of a British Colony” by Joseph J. Bangura: This book explores the history and cultural traditions of the Temne people, focusing on their interactions with the British colonial authorities and their role in the shaping of Sierra Leone as a British colony.
  • “Temne Names and Their Meanings” by Mohamed Sheriff: This publication delves into the significance of Temne names and their meanings, shedding light on the cultural and linguistic aspects of the Temne people.
  • “Temne Stories and Songs from Sierra Leone” by Princess A. Harding: This collection of Temne stories and songs offers an insight into the oral traditions and folklore of the Temne people, providing a glimpse into their cultural heritage.
  • “Sierra Leone: A Traditional Polity in Transition” edited by Anthony O. Edmondson: This scholarly work features chapters on various ethnic groups in Sierra Leone, including the Temne, exploring their social structures, political systems, and cultural practices.
  • “The Krio of West Africa: Islam, Culture, Creolization, and Colonialism in the Nineteenth Century” by Gibril R. Cole: While not solely focused on the Temne, this book discusses the interactions between different ethnic groups in Sierra Leone, including the Temne, during the colonial period, shedding light on their cultural dynamics.
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These references and resources provide a starting point to dig deeper into the history, culture, and traditions of the Temne ethnic group. Whether through books, documentaries, or academic works, there is much to learn about the rich heritage of this prominent ethnic group in Sierra Leone.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous Temne individuals. Thank you for reading.

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Syarif Muhamad

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