ACCRA, Ghana – Legendary Liberian singer Miatta Fahnbulleh has announced the release of her long-awaited fifth studio album, Still Kicking It, set to launch in Accra, Ghana on August 3, 2025. At 77, the trailblazing artist is proving once again that age is no barrier to creativity, passion, and musical excellence.
By Odarty Blackie, contributing writer
Known for her iconic 1980s hit Kokolioko, a Sierra Leonean folk tune that dominated Liberian airwaves, Fahnbulleh is set to make a powerful return after decades without a full-length studio release. Her last album, Just For You, came out in 1989.
The new project, Still Kicking It, blends soul, Afrobeat, highlife, and politically infused ballads that reflect both her musical evolution and lifelong advocacy. Fahnbulleh first teased the album earlier this month via her social media handle, @Miatta Aries Fahnbulleh, with a flyer announcing the official launch event at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra.
“I’m 77, and I thank God I’m still doing it,” she said. The voice and body are still holding together. I may not be as flexible as I was during Amo Sake Sa, but I’m still here—still kicking it.”
The album includes a tribute to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris titled Kamala’s Song, a powerful anthem for women that echoes the spirit of her earlier hit Obaa. Another standout track, Nakubenda—Swahili for “I love you”—was written by Ghanaian artist Akablay and reimagined by Fahnbulleh in her signature soulful style.
Musically, Still Kicking It features a dynamic ten-piece ensemble including acclaimed guitarist Akablay and keyboardist Eric Anthonio. Rising Liberian stars F.A and Cypher the King also appear on a remix of her 1978 classic Amo Sake Sa, with F.A on vocals and Cypher adding a fresh rap verse.
“People always ask why I don’t remix my songs,” Fahnbulleh said. “So I decided to do something fresh for the young folks.”
The upcoming release builds on recent singles, including Sweet Mama (2019), which charted in South Africa, and Happy New Year, released on Apple Music in January 2025. Her Kokolioko classic even resurfaced in 2020, reaching #83 on the iTunes chart as part of the Black Star Liner: Reggae From Africa compilation.
Born into a politically active Liberian family, Fahnbulleh defied her father’s wishes to pursue music—a choice that shaped her journey as not just a performer but a cultural force. Her music, like that of South African icons Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie, and fellow Liberian Queen Fatu Gayflor, channels activism, resilience, and the soul of a continent.
The August 3rd launch event will be a celebration of African music and womanhood, featuring performances from Tanya Garnett, Amanda Wolo, Nicolas B, Nigerian stars Stella Monye and Dede Mabiaku, and Ghanaian powerhouses Efya and Enam.
After decades of quiet, Miatta Fahnbulleh is back—and she’s got something to say. Still Kicking It isn’t just a comeback; it’s a statement. The music never stopped—it only got wiser.
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