Ever wonder who holds the crown as Liberia’s most celebrated artist? It’s none other than Maurice Tosh Gayflor, popularly known as CIC. With an impressive collection of 22 awards, this Afro-Pop and Hipco sensation has not only shaped Liberian music but has also cemented his legacy as one of the country’s greatest talents.
From his breakthrough in 2017 to his continued dominance in 2024, CIC’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. How many artists can boast a résumé like his? Let’s take a moment to appreciate the man who made us dance, sing, and feel inspired with every hit.
CIC’s first major recognition came in 2017 when he won Hipco Artist of the Year at the Liberian Entertainment Awards and Liberia Music Awards, along with Afro-Pop Artist of the Year at Tunes Liberia Awards. This was just the beginning. By 2018, he had become the artist everyone couldn’t stop talking about, clinching the Collaboration of the Year award for “Brother,” the Video of the Year award for “Hello,” and an astounding five Artist of the Year titles from prestigious platforms.
But CIC is not just about music. In 2018, he received the Humanitarian Award from the National AIDS Commission, reminding us that his influence extends beyond entertainment—he’s a role model, too.
Fast forward to 2024, CIC is still at the top of his game. His hit track “Congratulations” dominated the MTN Liberia Music Awards, earning him Song of the Year, Video of the Year, and Afro-Pop Song of the Year. And yes, he was crowned Artist of the Year once again!
What makes CIC’s journey so remarkable is his consistency. While many artists enjoy fleeting fame, CIC has maintained his relevance, releasing timeless hits like “Weekend,” “Morning,” “One Day,” Big Papa,” and “Congratulations.” His album 1994 The Throne even bagged Album of the Year in 2019, further solidifying his place in Liberia’s musical history.
So, what’s the secret to CIC’s success? Is it his unique sound that blends Hipco and Afro-Pop, his relatable lyrics, or his unparalleled work ethic? Whatever it is, one thing is clear: CIC isn’t just making music; he’s building a legacy.
Twenty-two awards and counting, CIC continues to inspire the next generation of Liberian artists to dream big and work hard. Who knows what records he’ll break next? One thing’s for sure, Liberia’s music industry wouldn’t be the same without him.
Here’s to CIC, the Big Papa of Liberian music! What’s your favorite CIC song? Let us know in the comments!
Here’s the full list:
𝐇𝐢𝐩𝐂𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Liberian Entertainment Awards (2017)
𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐨-𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Tunes Liberia Awards (2017)
𝐇𝐢𝐩𝐂𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Liberia Music Awards (2017)
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [Brother] – Liberia Music Awards (2018)
𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [Hello] – Liberia Music Awards (2018)
𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Liberia Music Awards (2018)
𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 – National Aids Commission (2018)
𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Liberia Entertainment Awards Australia (2018)
𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Liberia Youth Awards (2018)
𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Tunes Liberia Awards (2018)
𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Liberia Music Awards (2018)
𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Liberia Music Awards (2018)
𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐨-𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [Big Papa] – Liberia Music Awards (2019)
𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [1994 The Throne] – Tunes Liberia Awards (2019)
𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [Weekend] – Tunes Liberia Awards (2019)
𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [Big Papa] – Tunes Liberia Awards (2019)
𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – Liberia Entertainment Awards (2020)
𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – MTN Liberia Music Awards (2024)
𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [Congratulations] – MTN Liberia Music Awards (2024)
𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐨-𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [Congratulations] – MTN Liberia Music Awards (2024)
𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐨-𝐏𝐨𝐩 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 – MTN Liberia Music Awards (2024)
𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 [Congratulations] – MTN Liberia Music Awards (2024)
Credit: Jere Nana
