Liberia is preparing to host what organizers describe as one of the country’s most ambitious cultural revival programs in recent years—the inaugural Dugbor Arts and Culture Peace Festival, scheduled for December 21–30, 2024.
Liberia’s Arts and Culture Ambassador, Kekura Kamara, said the festival represents more than a celebration—calling it a “national cultural reset” designed to reconnect Liberians with traditions that have weakened over time due to war, migration, and modernization.
Speaking Thursday, December 4, 2025 at a media engagement, Ambassador Kamara noted that the Dugbor Festival—named after the Bassa word for Monrovia—is intended to reawaken national pride and strengthen unity through Liberia’s cultural heritage.
“We are reviving the cultural spirit of this country,” Kamara said, stressing, “This is about reclaiming our identity and giving Liberian artists a dignified platform to share our story.”
The festival will bring together cultural dancers, writers, musicians, designers, filmmakers, and chefs, alongside the celebrated National Cultural Troupe and regional traditional groups.
A major highlight will be the return of several renowned Liberian performers now living in the United States as part of the Liberia Diaspora Return Initiative.
The lineup includes notable icons such as Annie Sirleaf (Rascal Garmai) of the Malawa Balawala fame, Isabella Wreh-Fofana (Ma Saybah), Williametta Ammons, Laure Freeman, Nimely Napla, Khata T. Soribah and others who contributed significantly to Liberia’s artistic legacy during the pre-war era.
Ambassador Kamara revealed that the idea for the festival emerged after months of collaboration with various creative unions including the Writers Association of Liberia, Musicians Union, National Cultural Union, designers, and photographers.
Throughout its 10-day span, festival activities will showcase Liberia’s rich cultural diversity through parades, live performances, fashion and craft exhibitions, regional food demonstrations, and pop-up cultural shows in communities across Monrovia. A special Presidential event will also be held to honor individuals and institutions that have preserved Liberia’s traditions.
Key festival venues include the National Heritage and Cultural Village and additional performance locations throughout the capital.
Kamara acknowledged financial challenges but insisted the festival will go ahead as planned.
“It is a major investment, but we are determined,” he emphasized. “Culture drives tourism, and tourism stimulates the economy. This is bigger than entertainment—this is nation building.”
He disclosed that cultural teams from 10 counties have already confirmed participation, pending logistical coordination.
Ambassador Kamara—popularly known as Balawala—said the broader goal is to rebuild respect for cultural values and ensure Liberian youth understand the artistic traditions that define the nation.
“Liberia can only be built by Liberians,” he said. “This festival is a message of unity, peace, and identity for generations to come.”
