Liberia: President Weah hails history-making popstar

The artist became the first Liberian musician to perform at the One Africa Music Fest, an event that brings together pop acts across the continent to select venues around the world. Den G made an appearance at the event’s recent New York edition. 

After his performance, Den G (whose real name is Daniel George) shared a photo of himself onstage waving a flag.

Aware of the importance of his performance, Den G had shared a poster showing the date of his performance with the words: “For the first time Liberia is represented at the One Africa Music Fest,” adding, “Let's join this movement and support!”

Den G has openly supported President Weah since when the former footballer was a candidate seeking Liberia’s top job. Upon Weah’s win, the artist released a song titled ‘President Weah (Inauguration Song)’. A photo showing both Weah and Den G about to cut a cake is visible on the act’s Facebook page.

The admiration has been proven to be mutual as Weah feted the artist on Instagram. Along with posting a photo of Den G waving the Liberian flag, Weah wrote: “Liberians do have talent. @dengofficial please keep waving our flag high #OneLiberia #MakeLiberiaGreat #Liberia.”

“Thanks, my president,” Den G responded. “You are our nation’s pride and have been a great inspiration to me personally and many other Liberians. I salute you for all you have done and continue to do for Mama Liberia.”

Weah has demonstrated some support for his country’s entertainment scene since his inauguration at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, where it was reported that the ceremony’s highest budget was reserved for entertainment. That piece of information was, however, complicated by the relative absence of Liberian acts at the event.

As a source told the Liberian Observer: “It is frustrating that Liberian artists are being pushed aside by some selfish people who do not care to see growth in the industry."