Author: Kerkula Blama

In a significant shift in Liberia’s cultural landscape, President Joseph Boakai has appointed Kekura M. Kamara, popularly known as Malawala Balawala, as the new Arts & Culture Ambassador of Liberia. This decision marks the end of Queen Juli Endee’s over two-decade reign as the nation’s Cultural Ambassador, a role in which she became synonymous with Liberian arts and culture. Malawala Balawala, a renowned traditional singer, has long been a pillar of Liberia’s cultural heritage. His music, celebrated for its deep connection to Liberian traditions, has played a vital role in preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural legacy. Known for…

The Liberian music scene has been buzzing with tension as two of its rising stars, JZyNo and Stunn, find themselves at odds. The controversy, which started with a disagreement over genre labels, has escalated, leading both artists to unfollow each other on Instagram—a move that hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans and industry insiders alike. The initial spark was lit when JZyNo, in a well-meaning gesture, listed Stunn among other artists as an RnB/Pop talent while promoting their latest projects. However, Stunn, who prides himself on his versatility, took offense to being categorized so narrowly. He publicly declared that he’s not…

The Center for Transparency and Accountability (CENTAL) has urged President Joseph Boakai to withdraw his recent appointments to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), citing alleged procedural and legal violations. On August 29, President Boakai appointed five individuals to the PPCC’s Complaints, Appeal, and Review Panel (CARP). CENTAL argues that these appointments breached the Amended PPCC Act of 2010, which requires a competitive selection process. Despite a comprehensive vetting process conducted by the PPCC that shortlisted candidates, CENTAL contends that the President ignored these recommendations, appointing individuals who did not go through the necessary procedures. CENTAL is calling for…

Ah, Liberia, where love stories are as spicy as our jollof rice and as dramatic as an African movie! One year ago, our sister Genevia shook the streets when she boldly snatched lay pepo married man, the one and only Christoph The Change. The saga was hotter than July sun, with tongues wagging and social media buzzing. Fast forward to today, and Genevia is celebrating her first anniversary as the official, no-shame-in-her-game, legal sidechick to Christoph. Yes, you read that right—legal sidechick! While some might frown, Genevia is out here owning her title and living her best life. She’s flaunting…

In life, we sometimes encounter people who inspire us in ways we never imagined. Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate one such extraordinary woman—a friend who has faced life’s challenges with grace, determination, and an unwavering belief in herself and God’s plans. That woman is Lulu Teah, affectionately known as Mama Luna. Mama Luna is not just a friend; she is a beacon of strength and resilience. As a single mother, she has faced numerous obstacles that would have made many falter. Yet, she has continually proven the naysayers wrong, rising above every challenge with a spirit…

The recent appointment of Kekura M. Kamara, known as Malawala Balawala, as Liberia’s new Culture Ambassador by President Joseph N. Boakai has sparked a wave of controversy and concern among some of the country’s prominent figures. One of the most vocal critics is former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, who has publicly expressed her disappointment over the decision, which resulted in the removal of the long-serving and widely respected former Culture Ambassador, Queen Juli Endee. In a statement released on Thursday, former VP Taylor voiced her deep concern about the abrupt end to Queen Juli Endee’s tenure, highlighting the significant contributions…

In a groundbreaking moment for both Liberia and the global film industry, Samuel Nimely, a Liberian man based in India, has made history as the first Liberian to act in a Bollywood movie. This remarkable achievement was officially recognized on August 16, 2024, when the movie was launched by none other than Prime Minister Tirath Singh Rawat. The film is set for release on August 30, 2024, and will be available across various platforms in India, with special screenings at the India Cinema in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Samuel’s journey from Liberia to Bollywood is nothing short of inspirational. As the first…

In a harrowing incident earlier this morning, a Royal Air Maroc flight experienced a hard landing at Liberia’s Roberts International Airport (RIA). The aircraft, which reportedly missed the runway during its descent, managed to land safely despite the challenging circumstances. The good news is that there were no casualties or serious injuries among the passengers and crew as a result of the hard landing. The swift and professional response from the airport’s emergency services ensured that all aboard were safe and accounted for shortly after the incident. While the details of what led to the missed runway are still emerging,…

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has confirmed the country’s first case of Monkeypox virus in Sinoe County. The announcement was made during a press conference held at NPHIL headquarters in Congo Town. Monkeypox, a rare zoonotic virus, has gained prominence as the most prevalent orthopoxvirus since the eradication of smallpox in 1980. It typically presents with mild symptoms, including fever, malaise, and the development of vesiculo-papular skin lesions. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of NPHIL, revealed that out of six tests conducted on suspected cases, one tested positive. The confirmed case involves a seven-year-old girl from…

Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to shatter records on and off the field. This time, the Portuguese and Juventus striker has become the first person in the world to reach 300 million followers on the social media platform, Instagram. Notably, he was also the first person to breach the 200 million mark on Instagram. This comes days after he became the all-time EURO scorer after scoring his tenth and 11th finals goals, to go clear of Michel Platini. The 36-year-old is now just three goals away from matching Iranian Ali Daei’s all-time international scoring record of 109