Unification Town– Arts and Culture Ambassador, Kekura Kamara, has expressed optimism in the growth and development of the country’s arts and culture industry, stressing that it’s time to move further steps on the international stage.
Speaking Monday, February 16, 2026 upon the arrival of a 15-member Liberia National Arts and Culture Delegation from the 39th Edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad, Haryana, India, Amb. Kamara recounted the immense gains made in the industry in recent time since the inception of the President Joseph Nyuma Boakai-led administration.
Liberia for the first time in history joined 37 other countries at one the world’s most prestigious cultural platforms, making a historic debut at the just ended 39th Edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
Held annually, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela is ranked among the largest cultural gatherings in the world, attracting thousands of artisans and millions of visitors from across the globe. Countries converge to display their finest crafts, traditional music, dance, textiles, jewelry and indigenous designs.
Accordingly, Amb. Kamara, alias ‘Malawala Balawala,’ stated that the platform allowed Liberian arts and cultural artists to showcase their dance, attire, and crafts to millions of viewers in India and worldwide.
While extolling the Government of Liberia for providing extensive logistical support, the country’s Arts and Culture Ambassador stressed the need to do more.
He craved the Liberian government to increase its financial investment in the arts and tourism sectors by following the successful models of nations like Ghana and Botswana.
By prioritizing the creative industry, the Amb. Kamara believes Liberia can transform its cultural identity into a productive force for national development.
He intoned that the goal is to ensure that Liberian culture maintains a permanent, professional presence on the international stage.
“We are moving forward and no turning back. All we need as a backing is government’s support. The event was a pivotal turning point for national branding. While the Indian government provided essential logistics, our government needs to support. Culture must be treated as a key driver of national development and tourism. We want to call to action for the Liberian government to invest in the arts, moving beyond local performances to establish a permanent and productive presence in the international cultural economy,” Amb. Kamara noted amid cheers and drumbeats at the Roberts International Airport in Unification Town in Margibi County.
He then confirmed Liberia’s participation in the 40th Edition of the festival. “The good news is that we are being informed of participating in next year’s competition. And so we will be back to showcase our unique cultural identity once again. This is a boost to our sector,” he added.
Mr. Eddie Gibson, Acting Secretary General of Liberia’s Collective Society, who officially welcomed the team from India, hailed the delegation for flying the country’s flag high on the global stage.
Gibson described the participation of Liberia at the just ended festival in India as a significant milestone in the history of the country and in its strides to put the nation back on the international map of the creative sector.
For his part, Mr. Abraham Swaray, President of the Musician Union of Liberia (MULIB) pointed out that the country’s participation was an eye-opener.
The Musician Union’s President is upbeat that the next festival will witness the participation of a huger delegation with members drawn from different creative sectors including the Union.
