In celebration of Liberia’s Unification Day, One Liberia has announced that it will host a spectacular Unity Fest & Concert on Tuesday at Afrobeach in Paynesville.
This free festival will showcase an all-night concert featuring performances from the nation’s top entertainers, including Maurice Tosh Gayflor, alias CIC, STUNN, aka Lourell Andymark George, Anitram, Christoph The Change, Bucky Raw, Therickslyn Myers Karr, Ezy Pain Aprilborn, and Mr. Church, along with cultural performances and traditional mask dancers.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Rep. Taa Wongbe (District #9, Nimba County), the visionary behind One Liberia, expressed that the day-long jamboree aims to promote unity among Liberians.
“We felt that National Unification Day has not been celebrated to its full extent, and we should mark it annually with something special,” he stated.
He stated that the festival will kick off with family-friendly activities like face painting, games, cultural exhibitions, and daytime dancing. The evening will be filled with electrifying performances by the artists. “It will be a fantastic day for Liberians to come together and unite,” he emphasized.
Rep. Wongbe urged Liberians to set aside political differences, focusing instead on unity and love for one another. “This initiative has been ongoing for some time; we’ve previously organized the Nimba Fest and other Unity events. Now, we want to make it a consistent annual affair,” he shared.
He also underscored the role of youth in fostering peace and unity, using Liberian culture, music, and entertainment as vehicles for cohesion. “This is about uniting people; it’s the melting point for Liberia,” Wongbe remarked.
The event, endorsed by organizers for its inclusive nature and support for local talent and businesses, is set to become an annual tradition.
Nusune Perkins, acting manager of One Liberia, highlighted the event’s aim to unite Liberians through music, culture, and sports, offering a platform for talent and business growth while promoting national unity.
The event will take place at Afro Beach and will start at 11 a.m. “Gates will be opened because we said that during the day we will have games and different activities for families to come, and then the concert happens in the evening,” she said. “We are inviting Liberians in general; to come with good behavior and leave their weapons at home because it is not a battleground. When you are coming, come with the idea that you’re going to have fun and support Liberian artists; that’s all we need from you, and then come with money in your pocket to at least buy something to drink.”
The gala, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at Afro Beach, promises a day of family fun and an evening of mesmerizing performances, with organizers urging attendees to support Liberian artists and businesses responsibly.
Hazem Harb, also known as Double H and co-chief organizer of the event, praised Rep. Wongbe’s vision for uniting Liberians through entertainment, emphasizing the need for ongoing support for local artists.
“We need more people like him to do this for Liberia,” he said. “Our artists have been doing extremely well, but they have no support. Government comes, government goes; we’re still where we are.”
Rep. Wongbe and the organizers were flanked by some of the top artists at the presser.
“We are on board and committed to make this a success,” said CIC. “Music is a major unifier, and including us as artists on this platform, I think it is a great thing. And we pray that everything works out for the best.”
With a focus on peace, unity, and celebrating Liberian identity, One Liberia’s annual event aims to bridge divides and foster friendship within the community.
ONE Liberia was birthed by Rep. Wongbe, Seward B. Cooper and Charles Dorme Cooper after the Liberia civil war. The idea for this movement was inspired by a simple, but pressing need: the need for our youth to lead change, and to unite Liberians using arts, entertainment, culture, and dialogues to recognize and embrace the nation and its people’s oneness in spite of their diversities. The Movement’s first event was the Independence Day celebration in 2009, where thousands gathered in unity to celebrate Liberia.
