Liberian Music and more...!

Liberian music is a testament to Liberia's mosaic and diverse culture. Liberian music ranges from the very rthymic drums, to soul, jazz and blues and the music styles reflect the culture from Grand Gedeh to Lofa, from Cape Mount to Cape Palmas.

It is said that the roots of "HiLife"/"highlife" played in parts of West Africa owes it's roots, to the Kru of Liberia. In "pre-Liberian" times, the sea-faring "Kru" mariners carried small portable instruments when they travelled the West African coast even before Europeans arrived and were later employed on British and American steam-ships.

They played accordion, concertina, harmonica, penny whistle, banjo, mandolin and especially the Spanish guitar with which they developed the oppositional thumb and finger-plucking style.

Liberian songs often reflect an occassion, as Hawa Moore - a popular Liberian Musician put it, "I never went to voice training school. And I was born writing and singing. And then learning from other people, too.... Everything we did, even when we went swimming, we got a song we used to sing.... Everything that we do, for the birth of a child, the death of somebody, for weddings, for every occasion. But when I sing, I feel good. I smile to myself. I feel like I am home."

Won-Ldy Paye, the multitalented entertainer from northeastern Liberia, and a member of the Tlo Ker Mehn, said it well, when he said, "Liberian art, music, dance and storytelling are a life style. They are sociological and cultural studies of Liberian people."

As one journeys through the different counties in Liberia, it is fascinating to notice the different ranges of indigenous dance movements that have endured through the years.

The dance steps often vary according to the different tribes ranging from kru dances, Vai dances, the Kpelle dances, Bassa dances, etc. Liberian dances often retell indigenous traditions and culture. Liberian dances, as with most other African dance forms tend to go beyond the physical.

Masks are usually a symbol used in most Liberian dances. It serves as a symbolic connection of the living with the ancestral spirits and ancient deities. Some dances are shrouded in mystery and secrecy. The secrets of some of these dances are held and shared only with "secret societies", like the poro, sande, etc.

Today, Miatta Fahnbulleh remains one of the most popular Liberian musicans not only because of her incredible talent, but also because of her personal story.