Welcome to Min-On’s Music Journey! Today, the Min-On Concert Association and the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Japan welcome you to the Republic of Liberia, located on the Atlantic Coast in West Africa.
*All photos in this article were provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Japan.
Marshall Wetlands – ©MICAT
| Travel guide for Liberia
• Experience the history and culture of Liberia in Monrovia |
The Republic of Liberia was founded in 1822 as a project of the American Colonization Society (ACS) when African Americans settled on Liberian land, where they eventually declared independence in 1847. The name of the country is derived from the Latin word “Liber,” meaning freedom.
| Min-On recommended artist: Kapingbdi, legendary African jazz band
Kapingbdi was formed in Liberia in the late 1970s and became an internationally recognized band in the 1970s and 80s with successful tours in Europe and the United States, thanks to its unique sound that blends jazz, funk, rock and soul with powerful African rhythms. The band disbanded in the mid-1980s, but later released remastered albums in 2019 and 2020. To kick off this journey, please enjoy listening to “Don’t Escape,” the first track from the album “Born in the Night” released in 2019. |
The vibrant capital of Monrovia
Liberia’s capital Monrovia was named after James Monroe, the U.S. president at the time and prominent supporter of the American Colonization Society. The city is the country’s political and economic hub, and a center of culture where visitors can learn about the history of Liberia.
Providence Island
When visiting Monrovia, a great first destination is Providence Island. The island is believed to be the first place that African Americans emigrated to in 1822, and it’s no exaggeration to say the history of Liberia started here.
Providence Island, Monrovia City – ©United Nations Photo
The island’s beautiful greenery and many monuments symbolizing independence and peace make it a popular spot for visitors to Liberia.
National Museum of Liberia
The National Museum of Liberia is a historic building built in 1843. This structure is home to a number of valuable documents that illustrate the history, culture and art of Liberia, making it one of Monrovia’s most prominent cultural facilities.
The building was heavily damaged due to years of civil conflict, but was reopened in November 2017 after being restored and reconstructed
Liberian National Museum – ©Liberia’s Official Tourism Website
Centennial Pavilion
Centennial Pavilion was built in 1947 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Liberia’s independence. This is also the site of inaugurations of past presidents, and the basement is home to many monuments and statues. William V.S. Tubman is also buried here. He served as president of Liberia for 27 years, the longest-tenured president in the country’s history.
Centennial Pavilion – ©Liberia’s Official Tourism Website
Lifestyle and food culture of Liberia
The Waterside Market, located in downtown Monrovia, is a vibrant location deeply rooted in the lives of the local community. Many unique street stalls line the alleyways, where everything from fresh produce, clothing, household goods and traditional handicrafts are on offer.
Waterside Market at Monrovia – ©enjoy_liberia_travel (left) Darrell at his fish stall, Monrovia – ©Nick Fraser 2010 (right)
Some of the traditional crafts found in Liberia include wood carving, basket weaving, pottery, mask making and cloth dyeing. These items are often decorated with intricate designs and decorations that symbolize cultural stories, beliefs and social values.
TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS MADE BY LOCAL PEOPLE – ©Official Tourism Website
When visiting a market like this, visitors should never miss local cuisine unique to the area. At the food stalls, visitors can enjoy local dishes such as fufu, a dumpling-like dish made of potatoes and rice, jollof rice, a mixture of meat and rice cooked in tomato sauce, fried plantains and more.
Liberian Jollof Rice – ©African Food Network (left) Fried Plantain “Kelewele” – ©Liberian Dish Recipes (right)
Liberia is also known as a producer of a variety of spice, including grains of paradise and habanero pepper. They’re often used in Liberian cooking, and are also popular items found at the market.
MELEGUETA PEPPER – ©Official Tourism Website (left) HABANERO PEPPER – ©Olga’s Liberian Fried Pepper Facebook Page (right)
| “Out of My Hand,” Los Angeles Film Festival U.S. Fiction Award winner
“Out of My Hand,” a film set in Liberia, was submitted to the Berlin International Film Festival in 2015. An immigrant story written and directed by Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Fukunaga, with cinematography by Ryo Murakami, the film was produced in association with the Liberia Movie Union established by the Liberian government. The story follows a rubber plantation worker in Liberia who moves to New York City and faces the daily realities of immigrant life. The Japanese director’s unflinching portrayal of the protagonist has drawn critical acclaim worldwide. Bishop Blay, who portrays the main character Cisco, has actual prior experience as a rubber plantation worker, and his performance was praised by the Los Angeles Times. |
The vast tropical rainforest of Sapo National Park
Sapo National Park in eastern Liberia is a protected tropical rainforest covering approximately 1,800 square kilometers. This reserve is home to some of the world’s greatest biodiversity, and many endemic species, including the pygmy hippopotamus – one of the world’s three rarest animals – can be found here.
PYGMY HIPPOPOTAMUS (Sapo National Park) – ©Liberia’s Official Tourism Website
Activities including farming, construction and hunting are strictly prohibited within the boundaries of the park, but camping is permitted with approval of the Liberian Forestry Development Authority. Guided hikes and canoe tours are also offered, allowing visitors to experience the area’s untouched nature to the fullest.
Kpatawee Waterfall
Kpatawee Waterfall – ©Liberia’s Official Tourism Website
Kpatawee Waterfall, located approximately three hours by car from Monrovia, is a popular spot for locals to enjoy swimming and picnicking. The experience of ascending the stream and immersing yourself in the cool, rushing water while exploring the untouched natural surroundings will surely prove to be an unforgettable adventure.
Nearby is Kpatawee Resort, a rustic thatched-roof lodging facility, where visitors can enjoy evening meals prepared with local ingredients. Outdoor camping is also available here. There are lifeguards on duty at Kpatawee Waterfall who can assist with any questions or concerns you may have.
Bonfire at Kpatawee Resort – ©Kpatawee_Resort
Musical culture of Liberia
Because of the damage done to the theaters, halls and other buildings in Liberia by the war, there aren’t currently any venues that specialize solely in music. Therefore, large spaces such as Monrovia City Hall, Paynesville Town Hall, the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium and Providence Island are used as venues for musical performances. This fact represents how music remains an integral part of the people of Liberia’s lives.
As in many African countries, drums are commonplace in traditional Liberian music, but another unique feature of Liberian music is the use of a beaded rattle called a “saasaa” that accompanies the drums.
Saasaa – ©Liberia National Tourism Association
It may be true that Liberian music is highly influenced by American culture. Yet at the same time, Liberia’s unique identity is also visibly apparent in the development of a music scene unique to the region.
Hipco, a popular musical genre among the youth
This musical genre originated in Liberia in the 1980s as a style of rap influenced by hip hop culture. Hipco focuses on social themes such as Liberian history, poverty and inequality, and its catchy African rhythms and powerful lyrics have strong appeal with the younger generation.
In addition to producing well-known artists like Queen Endee and Semah, Hipco has developed to have significant social impact, as evidenced by the release of a Hipco song to raise awareness in the fight against infectious diseases, with the support of UNICEF.
In closing, we invite you to enjoy some performances by musicians recommended by the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Japan.
- “OBAA” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
- “Wakii Remix ft. Pck, L’Frankie” – Queen Juli Endee
- “ No One Like You” – Semah X Flavour
What did you think of your music journey to Liberia? There are still many more places to go! Please look forward to our next destination.
©Sarah-Jean
(Produced in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Japan, who also provided photos.)
Min-On Concert Association
-Music Binds Our Hearts-