ONGA, a brand marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, will host the ONGA Awojor Fiesta – Salone Jollof Battle Edition on Sunday, July 5, 2026. This highly anticipated culinary event, set to take place at the Melian Event Center in Murray Town, Freetown, also marks the official launch of the new ONGA Powder Spice. The fiesta will culminate in a thrilling culinary competition designed to crown Sierra Leone’s Jollof Champion. The winner of this national contest will then proceed to represent Sierra Leone at the prestigious Regional ONGA Jollof Battle, which is scheduled to be held in Ghana later in the year.
Competition Details and Prizes
Five exceptionally talented shortlisted home cooks from across Sierra Leone are set to compete head-to-head in the Salone Jollof Battle. The rigorous search for Sierra Leone’s representative commenced with a nationwide call for nominations, prominently featured on ONGA’s official Facebook page. This full nomination process extended over nearly three weeks, drawing significant public interest and participation. Following this period, the five contestants who drew the highest number of nominations were meticulously shortlisted to compete in the grand finale. Among the distinguished finalists vying for the coveted title are Kadie Turay, representing Kambia District, alongside Mary Kargbo, Salamatu Kamara, Phebean Kamara, and Bintu Yie Octobean, all of whom hail from the capital city of Freetown. The ultimate winner of the Salone Jollof Battle, joined by a representative specifically nominated by the esteemed Chefs Association of Sierra Leone, will proudly represent the country in Ghana. The regional competition promises an exciting showdown, featuring culinary representatives from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, each presenting their unique take on the beloved Jollof rice.
Regional Showdown and World Jollof Day
The Regional ONGA Jollof Battle is strategically scheduled for August 22, 2026, in Ghana, ensuring ample preparation time for the national champions. This significant regional competition auspiciously coincides with the annual celebration of World Jollof Day, adding a layer of cultural importance and festivity to the event. Ghana will serve as the proud host country for this highly anticipated culinary gathering, bringing together the finest representatives from various West African nations to showcase their Jollof prowess. Demonstrating its commitment to fostering regional culinary talent, ONGA will fully cover all travel and accommodation expenses for the representatives participating in the regional competition, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all contestants.
Brand and Event Experience
The ONGA Awojor Fiesta is designed to offer attendees much more than just a cooking competition. The event promises a full and engaging experience, incorporating vibrant live entertainment, exciting audience engagement activities, and interactive quizzes specifically focused on ONGA products. This multifaceted approach aims to create a dynamic and memorable brand experience during the event, immersing attendees in the world of ONGA. ONGA is widely recognized as one of Africa’s leading seasoning brands, operating successfully under the umbrella of Promasidor, a prominent player in the food industry. The brand's deep and active involvement in the Jollof Battle series shows its significant presence within the culinary landscape across the entire West African region, reinforcing its connection with traditional and modern cooking practices.
Marketing Lead's Vision
According to the organizers, this initiative, spearheaded by ONGA, aims to achieve several important objectives. Beyond the thrill of competition, it seeks to actively promote healthy eating habits, proper nutrition, and essential kitchen hygiene practices among both the participants and the wider public. The competition is dedicated to celebrating and elevating the standard of excellence in home cooking across Sierra Leone, recognizing the invaluable role of culinary traditions. The Salone Jollof Battle provides a strong and visible platform for emerging culinary talent, while simultaneously emphasizing these key aspects of food preparation and consumption that contribute to overall well-being.
