By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
“Man Nor for Be Popular Pass e Salary” – A Cautionary Reflection for Sierra Leoneans
In Sierra Leone today, few phrases speak more powerfully to the reality of our times than the saying, “man nor for be popular pass e salary.” This expression, rooted in our local wisdom, translates simply to a warning: do not live a lifestyle—or chase a reputation—that is bigger than what your income can support. While it may seem like just another Krio proverb, in truth, it is a deep commentary on the economic, social, and psychological pressures affecting millions of Sierra Leoneans daily.
To understand the weight of this phrase, one must first consider the hard economic truths facing the average person in this country. Salaries, especially for civil servants and junior professionals, are painfully low. For instance, a teacher or nurse may earn as little as Le1,200 to Le1,500 per month, while the cost of food, rent, transportation, school fees, electricity, and other basic needs continues to rise steadily. Even staple foods like rice have become unaffordable to many, and inflation ensures that every month is harder than the last. In such a system, it becomes difficult—if not impossible—to stretch income to cover essential household expenses, let alone luxury or leisure.
Yet, within this same economic landscape, a dangerous social expectation thrives: the pressure to appear successful, flashy, or generous. Many individuals, especially in urban settings, feel compelled to “perform” wealth. Social media plays a role, as do community expectations, political influence, and cultural norms. People are judged by how they dress, what they drive, where they live, and how often they spend, not by how they earn or how well they manage. As a result, many end up living a lie—borrowing money just to host events, buying clothes they can’t afford, driving cars they can’t maintain, or renting homes far beyond their budget. This lifestyle, when not rooted in financial stability, becomes a heavy burden. It leads to debt, disappointment, and in some cases, dishonesty and corruption.
We see it every day. A young man with a low-paying job dresses in designer clothes but is always borrowing money from friends. A civil servant, who earns barely enough to survive, throws a lavish wedding or political event to maintain status. A woman who struggles to feed her children feels ashamed to walk through her community unless she is well dressed. These are not just stories—they are real reflections of how the desire to appear successful is driving people into financial and moral crisis.
Beyond the personal consequences, this attitude also poses national risks. When public officials try to be more “popular” than their salary allows, the temptation to misuse public funds grows. When young people believe that image is more important than substance, we create a generation that values appearance over integrity. When families stretch themselves to breaking point just to avoid shame, mental health, relationships, and children’s futures are placed at risk.
What is needed now, more than ever, is a return to humility, realism, and financial discipline. There is no shame in living modestly. There is no disgrace in saying, “I cannot afford it right now.” The culture of pressuring people to live beyond their means must change. We must start to respect people for their values, not for their outward appearance. Success should be measured by peace of mind, financial stability, and honest work—not by flamboyance or popularity.
Let every man and woman in Sierra Leone embrace the wisdom of this phrase. Let us learn to cut our coats according to our cloth. Let us invest in education, savings, and long-term planning instead of temporary applause. Let our leaders, in particular, set an example by living within their means and showing the youth that humility and service are the true hallmarks of success.
To be “popular pass your salary” is not just unwise—it is unsustainable. It brings pressure, not progress; pretense, not pride. In a nation already facing so many hardships, the path forward must be one of honesty, discipline, and self-respect. May we all find the strength to live within our means and the courage to say no to a culture that values appearances over reality.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,8th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
