Monrovia is experiencing a cultural awakening driven by a generation determined to change Liberia's image. Artists, designers and musicians are forging an authentic creative identity amidst a lack of institutional support and the weight of a history marked by war.
For decades, the Liberian capital has been burdened by the impact of civil conflict and the deterioration of its cultural infrastructure. However, emerging collectives are transforming the landscape with offerings ranging from urban fashion to music and visual arts. Brands such as Too Easy have turned streetwear into a symbol of local pride and a meeting point for young people.
Music is also experiencing an unprecedented boom. Genres such as hipco and trapco, with lyrics in the Creole Kolokwa language, are conquering the stages and displacing foreign hits. Artists such as Datway Ezzy and JZyNo are taking these sounds abroad, proving that authenticity can compete in a global market.
In the visual arts, artists like Panda - known for his abstract faces - break the mould in an environment where galleries are rare and art is exhibited on the street. Their work reflects the daily realities and internal struggles of Liberian youth, inspiring others to experiment with new visual languages.
These innovators rely on community networks and independent festivals to make up for the absence of the state. Spaces like Momo Market or The LinkUp have become hubs of collaboration and learning. "Hunger and ambition unite us," sums up rapper Ezzy, convinced that Monrovia's creative present lays the foundation for a lasting legacy.
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Source: okayafrica.com; instagram.com