Liberian Afropop star Kobazzie has taken to social media to express deep frustration and heartbreak over what he describes as a growing culture of self-hate and public humiliation among Liberians, especially when it comes to standing in solidarity with each other in the face of outside criticism.
In a passionate Facebook post that’s quickly going viral, Kobazzie reacted to a recent incident involving a Nigerian Facebook user who mocked Liberians who attended the 2024 Liberia Music Awards (LMA). But the artist’s biggest disappointment wasn’t with the original post, it was with the Liberian reactions in the comment section.
“I just came across a Facebook post from a Nigerian making fun of our Liberian brothers and sisters who attended the 2024 LMA Awards,” Kobazzie wrote. “But what broke me the most wasn’t the post, it was the comment section. So many of our own people… laughing, mocking, and defending the insult alongside strangers. My heart sank.”
The award-winning singer, known for using his platform to speak on national issues, called the moment a painful reflection of Liberia’s internal divisions. Drawing a sharp contrast with Nigerians who tend to close ranks when faced with external attacks, he questioned why Liberians so often take pleasure in tearing down their own.
“You see, Nigerians may argue amongst themselves… but the moment an outsider disrespects one of their own, they stand as one,” he continued. “That’s what love for country looks like. That’s what unity feels like. And then I look at us, Liberians. So quick to tear each other down. So quick to find joy in each other’s embarrassment.”
Kobazzie’s message goes beyond the incident itself. It taps into a broader frustration with Liberian society’s struggle for unity and self-respect, factors he believes are equally as damaging as bad governance or poverty.
“In that moment, I realized something painful: it’s not always the government that’s holding us back… sometimes, it’s us. We are the reason we aren’t moving forward,” he said. “How can we build a better Liberia when we can’t even stand for each other?”
The artist urged Liberians to reflect deeply on how they treat one another, especially in public spaces, where negative behavior only reinforces harmful stereotypes and widens existing divisions. He warned that without a shift in mindset and behavior, no election, protest, or reform will truly move the country forward.
“You don’t have to like everyone in that picture,” he wrote. “But joining hands with foreigners to humiliate your own people? That’s not just wrong, it’s heartbreaking… Until we fix that, no amount of elections, protests, or policy changes will save us.”
Kobazzie’s call to action is clear: “We must love each other. Protect each other. Uplift each other. Because if we don’t… who will?”
In a country still grappling with post-war identity, political tension, and economic hardship, the superstar’s heartfelt post has reignited conversations about patriotism, accountability, and the cultural healing Liberia still desperately needs.
“Let this be a wake-up call,” he concluded. “Liberia won’t rise if Liberians keep pulling each other down. Let’s do better, for ourselves, for our children, and for the future of this country we claim to love.”
