Intellectual Property Ambassador, Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia National Dance Championship, and television presenter Sam M. Payedoo, popularly known as DJ Weezy, has challenged Liberia’s Culture and Entertainment Ambassadors, Kekura Kamara and Kobazzie, to demonstrate the impact of their presidential appointments through concrete initiatives and measurable results.
In an open letter addressed to the two ambassadors, Payedoo said their appointments represented an important opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of Liberia’s culture and entertainment industry.
However, he questioned what tangible progress has been made since their appointments, particularly in creating opportunities for young people who depend on the creative industry for their livelihoods.
“What has changed since these appointments? What concrete initiatives have been introduced? What policies have been advocated for? What opportunities have been created for the young people who depend on the culture and entertainment industry for their livelihoods?” Payedoo asked.
He clarified that his concerns were not intended as an act of disrespect but rather a genuine appeal for greater accountability and visible progress within the sector.
According to him, Liberia’s entertainment industry requires more than celebrity appearances, concerts, and social media engagements. He argued that the sector needs proper structures, investment, advocacy, capacity building, intellectual property protection, international exposure, and deliberate government support.
Payedoo further highlighted the challenges confronting dancers, musicians, filmmakers, comedians, actors, cultural performers, bloggers, disc jockeys, promoters, event organizers, and other creative entrepreneurs.
He said these groups need an enabling environment where their talents can translate into sustainable economic opportunities.
The entertainment executive also urged the two ambassadors to strengthen engagement with industry stakeholders, conduct consultations with creative professionals, develop a clear roadmap for the sector, and regularly communicate their activities and achievements.
He emphasized that an ambassador should serve as a voice for industry players, a bridge between the creative community and government, and an advocate for policies and initiatives that advance the sector.
“There should be a clear distinction between being an ambassador for the industry and simply being a representative of the entertainment community at public events,” he stated.
Payedoo acknowledged that transforming Liberia’s entertainment industry would require time and collective effort. However, he maintained that the creative community deserves clarity about the direction of the sector and the plans being pursued by those appointed to represent it.
He warned against allowing the appointments to become ceremonial positions that generate public excitement initially but fail to produce sustained engagement and meaningful outcomes.
“History will not remember us simply because we were appointed. History will remember what we did with the opportunities entrusted to us,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Payedoo described his message as a call for collaboration, expressing confidence that members of the creative industry are willing to work with the ambassadors to build a stronger and more sustainable entertainment sector.
He concluded by urging Kamara and Kobazzie to translate their appointments into practical achievements, stressing that the time to move from appointments to results is now.
