Liberian acts favour indigenous languages in new album

Zero English features several well-regarded recording artists in Liberia, all of whom sing only in their dialects. The tracklist includes songs by CIC, ShadowMan & Peter G, Kanvee Adams, Mz Menneh, Tawah De Great and Tialae.

The project was supported by C Liberia Clearly, an online platform covering the entertainment scene. The platform is run by Berenice Mulubah who said the album was made in service of Liberian arts and culture. 

“Music is the best tool to promote culture," she said. "I sponsored this album because of my love for my nation, my people, my culture and the generations behind me. I want my fellow Liberians to enjoy the sweet melodies in our native tongues and to share that melody with the rest of the world."

Mulubah's project follows a complaint about Liberia's neglect of its own culture from a former assistant minister of culture in January.

"The Vai language, particular of our country, is one of the several sub-Saharan African languages to develop its own writing system," said Louise McMillian-Siaway. "The worst part is that the civilization that comes with that language is dead. Language, literature and historical places are the hallmarks of our human existence, civilizations and cultures, which play a crucial role in diversity. But these things are being lost."

Mulubah told Music In Africa that although it had come several years after the devastation of the Liberian civil war, Zero English was a response to the consequences of that event, as it targeted millenials without a strong grounding in the culture of their country.

"During the civil war, a good percentage of Liberians went into exile," she said. "Kids of Liberian descent were born and raised in exile. These kids have adopted the culture of others and have not been privileged to experience the full bloom of Liberian culture in all its glory, and we are slowly losing our culture. Liberia's culture needs a revival and the best way to wake up the spirit of the people is through music. We are indigenous people and our music must reflect that."

She said the project had taken some time to get going and as a result of that and other circumstances the number of artists featured on Zero English had decreased. 

"My aim was to have 12 artists but only six came through. Time played a role in that reduction. Some artists, like Peter Cole, Eric Geso, Mai Myers and the rest, were willing and excited, but unfortunately mastering took longer than expected," Mulubah said.

To listen to Zero English, click here.