Liberian songstress and video director Faithvonic has finally broken through at the MTN Liberia Music Awards (MLMA), winning her first-ever award after a decade in the music industry. This milestone comes after years of nominations across various categories without ever taking home a win.
At the recently concluded MLMA 2024, the spotlight shone on Faithvonic, but not for the reasons fans might expect. Her award wasn’t for a hit song or viral music video. Instead, she was recognized for her work behind the scenes, directing some of the best music videos Liberia’s industry has seen this year. Collaborating with top-notch videographers and producers like Jackie Russ and Ush, Faithvonic demonstrated her versatility and creative talent in video direction—a side of her artistry that often goes unnoticed. 
She sets the record as the first female to be nominated as video director of the year and won the category amongst some top competitors like Sayou Tequah, who won last year and Mr. DOP.
Interestingly, this triumph wasn’t without its fair share of controversy. Two months before the awards, renowned videographer Jackie Russ publicly declined his MLMA nomination, citing “Non-Monetary Value” as his reason. However, industry insiders speculated that his decision might have been a strategic move to boost Faithvonic’s chances of winning in the category. While opinions varied, many pundits criticized Russ’s move, arguing that it overshadowed the competition.
Regardless of the backstory, Faithvonic’s win is a testament to her resilience and dedication to the craft. Over the years, she has shown that her talent extends beyond singing, becoming a pioneer for Liberian creatives in the music and visual arts space.
Congratulations to Faithvonic for this well-deserved recognition. Her story reminds us that persistence and versatility can eventually lead to success, even in a highly competitive industry.
