MONROVIA – Curating a project is a weightlifting challenge for most artists, because it is often cost intensive, physically demanding, and artistically taxing; even well-established artists in thriving industries are faced with this inevitable challenge.
In a destitute music industry like ours, where artists seldom profit from their work and success is not always guaranteed, curating a project becomes even more daunting and less probable. As a result, the sum of projects released annually by Liberian artists can be counted on one hand, with most being extended plays. However, despite these challenges, a few Liberian artists go above and beyond to release new projects.
In recognition of the exceptional projects released in the past twelve months, here are the 10 Most Remarkable Liberian Projects of 2024, selected based on specific criteria such as titling, track sequence, thematic depth, and overall impact.
10. The Only Way by Datway ezzy – His third extended play, The Only Way, aims to solidify Datway Ezzy’s relevance with solid production and energetic instrumentals. Songs like Relah Your Seh and Woah are well-received.
9. Elephant by Barsee – Spanning forty-three minutes, Elephant is Barsee’s third collection and his first under Dayeerecords. The fourteen tracks explore themes of romance, affluence, and more. It is an almost solo effort, with one guest artist, Ldrez, who anchors Low.
8. Still Broke by MC Caro – The title of MC Caro’s sophomore album, Still Broke, encapsulates the harsh realities of Liberia and its music industry. It describes the scarcity of life-changing opportunities for her and other artists struggling to overcome the odds and alter their uncomfortable circumstances. With tracks featuring catchy hooks, Still Broke won the 2024 MLMA Album of the Year. The project is notable for its great track titles, solid instrumentals, and high-quality production. “Bang,” a track from the album, was featured in DJ Edu’s 10 in 10, a countdown of Africa’s top new tracks.
7. Sounds From Nimba Mountain by Kizzy W – Kizzy W’s debut extended play, Sounds From Nimba Mountain, is a celebration of romance— a fitting theme for an artist known for iconic love songs over the past decade, notably Wait Na. The collection is filled with danceable tracks, mostly incorporating the sound of a log drum.
6. Next Chapter by King Dennis – As suggested by its title, King Dennis’ debut album, Next Chapter, marks his transition from an emerging artist to an established figure in the Liberian music industry. The collection features A-Wood, Ldrez, JB, Nuchie Meek, and Barsee on eight songs that explore themes of motherly love, among others.
5. Please Shut Up by Ted Smith – A therapeutic project, Please Shut Up is a collection of poignant spoken word tracks that narrate the struggles of someone battling depression, anxiety, and emotional disorder. Ultimately, the subject of the all the 10 tracks that make up the project seeks solace in silence, an escape root from their nightmares.
4. The Liberian Boy by JZyNo – With contributions from Liberian rapper Christoph The Change and Nigerian singers KHAID and Jaywillz, The Liberian Boy, a six-track collection, marks JZyNo’s official arrival on the global stage. It is a shut-up gesture to the likes of Ruger and those who think the success of Butta My Bread, a global hit, featuring Lasmid, which was named one of Audiomack’s Top 50 Songs of 2023 was accidentally achieved. The EP’s almost flawless sequence, concise tracks, infectious melodies, and easy-to-sing hooks, supported by perky instrumentals, position it for success and a warm reception from its intended audience. It reflects his undying desire and efforts to achieve international recognition and elevate his country’s music profile.
3. Inferno II by Docwayy – Known for his distinctive project rollout style, Docwayy marked his evolution as an artist with Inferno II. The project, his fourth studio extended play, highlights his lyrical prowess and thematic depth, exploring personal growth, industry challenges, and his fierce new identity. The rapper’s ability to blend introspective lyrics with aggressive delivery showcases his unique position in the rap landscape, reinforcing his commitment to leaving a lasting impact with his music.
2. Act 3: The Dying of Self by Mon Rovîa – Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mon Rovîa blends folk music with modern sounds to tell raw, compelling stories, often accompanied by the soothing strings of an electric guitar or the echo of a piano. His seventh studio project, Act 3: The Dying of Self, a collection comprising five elegiac tales of lost love, despair, and desire, is his most recent reference.
- Cycle of Heartbreak II by JSK – JSK’s fifth studio extended play, Cycle of Heartbreak II, is a well-curated collection that tells a cohesive story, exploring various emotional imbalances experienced by survivors— specifically, victims of relationships gone wrong. A seven-track conceptual follow-up to Cycle of Heartbreak, released two years ago, Cycle of Heartbreak II is an emotional letter from a dejected individual seeking to reconnect and heal his history with an ex-lover who seems out of reach.
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