Liberians and their Music
-Versus the World
Published: 20 June, 2008
The life of Liberian music has for decades been smothered by what may otherwise be considered as the natural consequences of war… or so it seems. For most of the past two decades, Liberians have seemed to take more interest in music produced by their West African neighbors than their own. Some attribute this trend to sub-standard production of Liberian music; others to lack of exposure of artists. Some others maintain that Liberia just needs to get her act together, then all this 'extra stuff' will fall right into place. But with the mass importation of culture and ideals of other countries in the region and the world at large through art, style and entertainment media, perhaps the music industry in Liberia may be just too bombarded with the competition to hear its own voice. Can someone get me the soundproof earphones?
Liberian musicians are striving harder than before, especially with the fascinating fusion of Hip-hop and the Liberian colloquial, popularly known as Hip-Co. Liberian music fans have taken to it like ashes on a coal pot. We enjoy it; as long as there's no other music, we stick with it. But when the wind blows the ashes will scatter. Well, you know what they say: “If house don't sell you, street won't buy you.” So it's really tough for our musicians, striving to win the support of their home audience while aspiring to the international standard.
“The standard of Liberian music has gotten better over the years,” says Liberian music veteran King Ari Al Azik Allen. What needs to be done now to keep it up is for Liberians to appreciate, patronize and play Liberian music. I notice Liberians love to play and enjoy Ghanaian, Sierra Leonean and other music in preference to their own Liberian music.”
King Ari, a Liberian musician based in Nigeria, says that the consuming population in Liberia is not enough for artists to really thrive. “Compared to Nigeria where the audience is more than four times larger and where the stage is much more set for artists be recognized internationally, the market in Liberia is incredibly small. And there is always more than enough work for musical artists. Not just recording and major concerts, but dinners, weddings, private parties and other special events create a lot of employment for musicians.
In Liberia, it has been observed that live music is scarce to say the least. There are less than a handful of venues that offer live music, not counting the churches. Most private parties, nightclubs, state events and others continue miss out on the quality a live performance brings to their events. Perhaps it's more convenient, but a good live band can keep an audience more involved in an event than a disc-jockey behind a CD player. And in this context, a live performance of Liberian music stands a better chance against foreign counterparts than a CD battle between the same. “Hands down, Liberia has much better performers than many other African countries”, King Ari says. “We are even more talented as a whole.”
The Way Forward
“We need to readily accept Liberian music. It cannot be stressed enough”, King Ari insists. “We should create our own fusion, even if it means using the Gbema (the signature Liberian indigenous rhythm). We could fuse it with other forms of instrumentations and come out with something that will completely rock the continent.” He also emphasizes the need for artists to respect each other and put egos aside. “We must also pay homage to those who came before us. Show them that respect, and the music will bless you.” At this, he remembers his early days, playing in church as well as jamming with the Afro Safari Band at Gabriel Cinema in the '70s and with the MOGA band in the '80s. Those were the people who nurtured my talent. And I owe so much to them.”
In Nigeria, Liberian musicians get a tremendous amount of respect”, he says. “Why? They admire our vocal intonation which is different from any other on the continent. But it is also because, in Nigeria, we respect their musicians.”
Still active on the musical scene, King Ari Al Azik Allen is on the verge of releasing his third album, “Jah Send I”, set for July 5. Hit tracks include “For the Children”, dedicated to underprivileged children all over the world. “Monrovia Rock Music” is truly a transcendence of the local musical barriers, a fusion of Gbema and Rock, but still a hundred percent Liberian in texture, evoking a clear, nostalgic image of Monrovia's metropolis. King Ari also includes a deeply inspiring “Tribute to Lucky Dube” and a new melodious rendition of Bob Marley's “One Love”. King Ari is also the younger brother of two prominent Liberians, Dr. C. William Allen and Mr. Cyril Allen.
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