By Moses M. Tokpah
/MARGIBI
Two Kpelle gospel musicians, Daniel Korkoyah and Romans Massaquoi have publicly criticized widespread neglect of their work, despite their music being widely used in Liberian communities.
The grievances emerged during the launch of Massaquoi’s new song, “Don’t Allow the Devil to Fool You,” at the Conqueror United Pentecostal Church along the Bong Mine Road in Kakata, Margibi County recently.
The launch of the song which also brought together several gospel vocalists dominated by visually impaired Kpelle Gospel Musicians was marred by poor attendance even though Romans claimed to have written a lot of ordinary people.
Romans Massaquoi, a visually impaired person who avoided inviting politicians due to past boycotts, said his message to the Liberian People in the song is to remain committed to God no matter the prevailing situation.
He emphasized his message of steadfast faith amid hardship, noting that many people are “backsliding” from God due to economic struggles.
Daniel Korkoyah, a popular Kpelle gospel artist, lamented that while their songs are played at weddings, funerals, and church services, supporters rarely engage with their well-being or upliftment.
He threatened to decline a national competition invitation representing Margibi, arguing his home country’s leaders have shown “disinterest” in gospel programs, suggesting alignment with Bong County instead, citing stronger support there.
Daniel challenged Margibi’s politicians to prove they’ve ever attended Kpelle gospel events, highlighting systemic neglect despite the genre’s cultural significance.
The musicians urged leaders to prioritize cultural upliftment, echoing past protests by the Liberia Association of Gospel Music Artists (LAGMA) against government inaction.
The complaints align with documented struggles in Liberia’s music industry, including weak copyright enforcement and reliance on informal networks for distribution.
While gospel music has historically served as a tool for community healing and protest, institutional support remains elusive.
