To celebrate Sierra Leone turning 53 today, our good friends from Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew have shared a message with their hopes for the coming year. Speaking of which, the guys have a new album in the works for Salone– and they'll be there to perform it December 24th! Read on below and keep scrolling for some of our favorite hits to come out of Sierra Leone with music from from Janka Nabay & The Bubu Gang, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, the great Bunny Mack, and of course Freetown's finest Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew. Happy birthday Sierra Leone!

"E go betteh leh you no say sombodi go pik you up way u fodom. E go betteh leh u buck u fot pan stone way nor go comot unda u. E go betteh leh u yai wata drop 'dan e dry na u yai' push yanda betteh pas comot na ya. We ar proud of this country that has been through nightmare, that has been through horror, that has been through humilation, that has been through tribulation, a country that has been measured of being the poorest in the world but yet still stands as a brave and courageous nation, a country with so much potential, a country that has stories that have not yet been told, a country that sacrificed almost everthing he has just to regain PEACE. Now even the leaves can go to sleep and wake up with broad smiles on their faces. Ohooo beautiful Serra Lyoa, a name that was giving by the Portuguese explorer Pedro da Cintra meaning "The LION MOUNTAIN".... Look how proud and happy we are today to be alive and witness the 53rd birthday day of this adorable virgin land. Some called it the land of the free, some called it the African paradise, some called it the land of milk and honey. Ohooo what a beautiful nation that we are proud to be sons and daughters of. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA SALONE"

-Pupa Bajah, Aklazz, and Dovy Dovy

Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew, "Any Girl"

Bunny Mack, "Let Me Love You"

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, "Soda Soap"

Janka Nabay & The Bubu Gang, "Somebody"