Liberian Poet Presents ‘Bicentennial through Poetry’

Lekpele M. Nyamalon, Liberian Poet and published Author

— Rep. Clarence Massaquoi buys 100 books

A renowned Liberian writer and poet, Lekpele M. Nyamalon, launched a poetry event in Monrovia in honor of Liberia’s Bicentennial. 

The event brought together a diverse, multigenerational audience, including Liberians from home and abroad, as well as members of INGOs and NGOs, and members of the Diplomatic corps. 

In the colorful but solemn event, he tried to retell a story of the founding of the Liberian nation since the arrival of the freed people of color in 1822, to 2022. The event was a mosaic of cultural performances, guitars, and piano recitals which symbolized the cultural mix that characterizes the blend of culture in contemporary Liberian life.

The event featured performances from Liberians of different genres and generations, through dance, poetry, music, etc.  

Held at the Living Room at the Royal Grand Hotel, the event was a scene of classic finesse with poems depicting Liberia’s journey of trials and triumphs. Some of the Poems read include: “Scars of a tired nation”, “A Nation in Love”, “Shadows of Glory”, “Here we are”, “Holding our Fathers’ bags”, etc. Other performances included readings and performances from younger poets.

Meanwhile, Representative Clarence Massaquoi purchased 100 copies of the book “Scary Dreams”, an anthology of the Liberian civil war, written by the poet, Lekpele M. Nyamalon.

Representative Massaquoi bought the books for distribution to members of the Liberian public. He also promised to buy an additional 100 copies at a later date.

In separate remarks, South African Ambassador to Liberia, Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay, spoke of Liberia’s role in the anti-apartheid struggle and heavily praised the poetry evening, an event he described as a Pan Africanism charged event.