By Bill W. Cooper
The International Gospel Musician Alliance (IGMA) has celebrated its first anniversary, bringing together gospel artists, industry stakeholders, and fans from across Liberia at the Anointing Center Church in Paynesville.
The well-attended event was also aimed at highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Liberian gospel music while fostering collaboration among artists to elevate the genre on the international stage.
Founded in 2022, by its CEO, Ambassador Eveine Natt Kamara, IGMA has quickly become a pivotal platform for gospel musicians, providing resources, networking opportunities, and a unified voice for artists seeking to promote their work.
However, the anniversary celebration featured performances from both established and emerging Liberian gospel artists, showcasing a diverse array of musical styles that reflect the country’s unique cultural tapestry.
The event kicked off with a powerful exhaustion from Pastor Tarkplah P. Nah, who emphasized the importance of unity among gospel musicians in Liberia and the need to present a cohesive brand to the world.
Preaching on the topic, ‘Celebrating God’s Faithful With The Mind To Improve’, with text taken from Exodus 15:1’, Pst. Nah said, “You are here to celebrate not just your achievements over the past year, but to lay the groundwork for a brighter future for gospel music in Liberia.”
The prelate maintained, “Because Liberia has a wealth of talents and stories to share, by rebranding our gospel music, we can attract international audiences and create opportunities for our artists.”
Pastor Nah, however, urged the team, including musicians in attendance, to embrace innovation while staying true to their roots, encouraging them to collaborate with international artists to broaden their reach.
Earlier, giving the historical background of the organization, IGMA Secretary General Priscellia Godwin, disclosed that it all started when God gave the vision a few years back to their CEO, Ambassador Eveine Natt Kamara.
She explained, “But she wasn’t sure because she had bad experience working with some Liberian Gospel artists and she told God I don’t want to have such experience again, but the lord told her this is not about Liberian artists but about my kingdom and if only you will obey I will show you the way.”
She narrated, “She was still studying in Australia back then, so when she was done with her studies, she came back to Liberia and started organizing musical workshops in different counties and communities.”
“She knew there was more to what she was hearing from God, so she prayed that God would take the lead and she would follow. The Lord told her I want my children all around the world to connect and worship me; this organization will bring people together and create platforms for artists and ministers.
With faith, she organized a tour in December 2022, in Bo and Free Town with 13 persons, and that tour was to confirm what the Lord was saying and it was confirmed. Finally, when she and the team got back to Liberia, IGMA was established,” she added.
Meanwhile, IGMA Coordinator Stalin A. Dudley, concluded the event with a call to action from IGMA’s members and leaders, who urged attendees to take the lessons learned during the celebration and apply them to their own musical journeys.
“Together, we can elevate Liberian gospel music to new heights. Let us work hand in hand to create a legacy that future generations will be proud of in line with our organization’s mission, vision and plan,” he added.
As the night came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with hope and excitement for the future of gospel music in Liberia, as the alliance is poised to make a significant impact on the global gospel music scene in the years to come.