Kamara Speaks on Akon's Reception to the Chicken, Kola Nut offer
Klonnious Blamo & F. Momolu Dorley

Published:  18 April, 2008

The head of the famed Balawala culture group Mr. Kekura Kamara has revealed that it was a great honor for him and the Liberia people for Mega Star Akon to truly identify with the Liberia cultural heritage.

Senegalese-born musical hero, Akon was honored and awarded several certificates for upholding African dignity in the musical arena.

Immediately upon his arrival at the Robert International Airport, the international music celebrity was given a white kola and a white chicken as a symbol of peace.

Kekura Kamara, who presented the kola nut to Akon, said immediately upon given the star the kola nut, he broke into two and ate a part.

“He did not put the chicken down or give it to any body” Kamara said.

The chicken left with the super star, Kamara said, until he boarded his car and left the airport, bound for Monrovia.

Kamara who the named the star 'Slewion' stated that the culture union was charged with the task of giving the international star a Liberian name.

The name Slewion, he explained, meant 'God Gift' noting that Akon was a true gift from God to the African continent.

'Slewion' is a Kru name. The Krus are Liberia's most widely traveled tribesmen. It is believed that many Kru men worked as laborers during the building of the Suez Canal located in Egypt.

Meanwhile Kamara has urged Liberian artistes to work harder as they too could attain a rise as Akon's.

Kamara averred that Liberian artistes have to be disciplined and committed if they needed to succeed.

“Art is our identity, our cultural heritage,” he said.

“Today, all of Africa, mainly Senagal, is proud to associate itself with Akon,” because as Kamara observed, “he is now the leading flag bearer of the continent”.

“Our artistes too can get at the top,” said Kamara. But he pointed out that that would be achievable with support from both the government and the Liberian people.

While in the country, the visiting musical star Akon had several honors bestowed upon him and certificates awarded.

The ECOWAS Citizens Union honored him as Youth Ambassador for ECOWAS, while the Musician Union of Liberia also honored him in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the African cultural heritage.

Responding, Akon thanked Cellcom and Liberians for the warmth hospitality accorded him upon arrival.

He also expressed appreciation for the honors bestowed upon him, adding that they represented the true love Liberians had for him.

He then called on Liberians to be united in order to sustain peace and stability in their country.

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