Who is the Biggest Musician in Liberia? Know Them!

Based on their achievements and fan reviews, Cralorboi CIC and JZyNo are widely considered to be the biggest musicians in Liberia.

When it comes to identifying Liberia’s biggest musician, the competition is intense, but two names often come to the forefront: Cralorboi CIC and JZyNo. Both artists have made remarkable strides in music, each representing unique styles and international influence that have contributed significantly to the country’s music scene.

Cralorboi CIC – The King of Kolopop

Cralorboi CIC, born Maurice Tosh Gayflor, has solidified himself as one of Liberia’s most successful musical exports. Known for his distinctive blend of Hipco, Afropop, and Kolopop, CIC has been a trailblazer, breaking barriers both locally and internationally. CIC, stands out as one of the biggest and most influential musicians in Liberia today. His journey to stardom has been marked by a blend of passion for music, resilience, and an unyielding desire to promote Liberian culture on the global stage. CIC’s music is not just about catchy beats but also about telling stories that resonate deeply with the Liberian people, particularly through the use of local languages like Koloqua, which he actively incorporates in his music. This move aims to elevate his culture to international standards, ensuring that Liberian sounds get the global recognition they deserve.

CIC’s debut album 1994 was a milestone in his career, featuring collaborations with notable African artists, including Ghana’s Mzvee, Nigeria’s Iyanya, and Zimbabwe’s Buffalo Souljah. Released on January 7, 2019, the album was more than just a collection of songs; it was a celebration of his life and struggles, told through music. His drive to produce work that is both authentic and professional has earned him significant respect in Liberia’s music industry and beyond.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, CIC is making waves internationally, having completed a highly successful tour across the United States. His tours and appearances in international venues are not just about performing but also about opening doors for more collaborations and recognition for Liberian talent.

Through his music and public presence, CIC has become an ambassador for Liberian culture, merging afrobeat rhythms with local storytelling and becoming a pivotal figure in the African music scene. His impact is a mix of commercial success, cultural pride, and personal dedication to uplifting Liberian music to a global audience. With his international engagements and upcoming projects, CIC is undoubtedly one of the top figures to represent Liberia on the world stage.

For those following the evolution of Liberian music, CIC’s contributions are hard to overlook, and his continued rise only emphasizes his influence in shaping the future of Liberia’s musical identity.

JZyno – The Global Boy

On the other hand, JZyNo, whose real name is Jonathan Lee Pratt, is currently one of the most popular talents to emerge from Liberia’s music scene, particularly within the Afrobeats genre. Known for his infectious rhythms and catchy melodies, JZyNo has made significant strides on both the local and international stages that has earned him the nickname ‘The Global Boy’. His rise to prominence began with his distinct sound and captivating performances, which quickly gained attention from fans and critics alike.

Born and raised in Liberia, JZyNo initially made a name for himself in the local music scene before expanding his reach. He now resides in Ghana, which has allowed him to further immerse himself in the West African music ecosystem. His career took off with hit songs like “Liberian Boy,” which received massive attention both for its musical quality and its cultural significance. His album, also titled Liberian Boy EP, broke streaming records, surpassing 2 million streams within just 30 minutes of its release. This milestone was a testament to his growing influence in the Afrobeats movement and his ability to connect with a global audience.

JZyNo’s success is not limited to streaming numbers alone. He has been recognized with awards, including an Emerging Artist award and multiple accolades at major music events both locally and internationally.

At the MTN Liberia Music Awards (MLMA) 2023, JZyNo was a notable nominee in several categories. He was nominated for Male Artist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year for his track “Eyes on You” featuring Camidoh, and Song of the Year for “Butta My Bread”. This reflects his continued relevance in Liberia’s music scene and his strong fanbase. His song “Eyes on You”, which features Ghanaian artist Camidoh, was particularly well-received and was also nominated for Collaboration of the Year.

In addition to his MLMA nominations, JZyNo’s music has also earned him recognition at international platforms, further cementing his status as one of Liberia’s rising stars. His influence is growing beyond the local scene, especially as Afrobeats continues to dominate global music charts.

His collaborations with other artists, such as the song “Mood” featuring Khaid, have further solidified his position as a leading figure in the contemporary African music scene.

With a mix of traditional African sounds and modern Afrobeat elements, JZyNo is helping to shape the future of Liberian music globally. His ability to blend storytelling with catchy beats has made him a favorite among fans of the genre, particularly across Africa. His journey from Liberia to the international stage is a testament to his hard work, passion, and dedication to uplifting his community and his country’s musical heritage.

Cralorboi CIC – Awards and Nominations

Awards:

1. Artist of the Year (2020) – Liberia Entertainment Awards
2. Song of the Year for “Big Papa” (2020) – Liberia Entertainment Awards
3. Song of the Year for “Weekend” (2019) – Tunes Liberia Music Awards
4. Afropop Artist of the Year (2018) – Tunes Liberia Music Awards
5. Album of the Year for 1994 The Throne (2019) – Tunes Liberia Music Awards
6. AfroPop Song of the Year for “Big Papa” (2019) – Liberia Music Awards
7. Male Artist of the Year (2018) – Liberia Music Awards
8. Artist of the Year (2018) – Liberia Music Awards
9. HipCo Artist of the Year (2018) – Liberia Music Awards
10. Best Video for “Hello” (2017) – Liberia Music Awards
11. Collaboration of the Year for “Brother” (2017) – Liberia Music Awards
12. Artist of the Year (2018) – Liberian Youth Award
13. Humanitarian Award (2018) – National Aids Commission

Nominations:

1. Best Hip-Hop Artist (2019-2020) – Nominated for his overall contributions to Liberian hip-hop.
2. Song of the Year (2020) – For Big Papa.
3. Collaboration of the Year (2020) – For Shout Out (Remix).
4. Trapco Artist of the Year (2021) – Recognizing his impact on Liberia’s Trap music scene.

JZyNo – Awards and Nominations

Awards:

1. Male Artist of the Year (2023) – MTN Liberia Music Awards (MLMA).
2. Afropop Song of the Year (2023) – “Butta My Bread”.
3. Best Collaboration of the Year (2023) – “Eyes on You” (featuring Camidoh).
4. Best Video of the Year (2023) – “Butta My Bread”.
5. Afropop Artist of the Year (2023) – MTN Liberia Music Awards (MLMA).

Nominations:

1. Artist of the Year (2023) – MTN Liberia Music Awards.
2. Afropop Song of the Year (2023) – “Butta My Bread”.
3. Collaboration of the Year (2023) – “Eyes on You” (featuring Camidoh).
4. Afropop Artist of the Year (2023) – MTN Liberia Music Awards.
5. Best Video of the Year (2023) – “Butta My Bread”.
6. MTN Liberia Music Awards (MLMA) 2020
   • Afro-pop Song of the Year
   • Collaboration of the Year (for “Kpan Kpan Me” featuring Teddy Ride)
   • New Artist of the Year
   • Video of the Year
   • Song of the Year
7. Best African Artist of the Year (2024) – Telecel Ghana Music Awards

Other Achievements:

1. “Butta My Bread” charted at number 50 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs and at number 16 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.

Both CIC and JZyNo have made significant contributions to the global perception of Liberian music. However, determining the “biggest” musician is subjective, as each artist brings something different to the table—CIC with his established international presence and versatility, and JZyNo with his explosive rise and promise for the future, gaining immediate global recognition. Ultimately, the biggest musician in Liberia may be a title that changes with time, as both artists continue to shape the future of Liberian music.