Liberia's Arts and Culture Ambassador, Amb. Kekura Kamara, also known as "Balawala," announced that preparations are in full swing for the inaugural Dugbor Arts and Culture Peace Festival. This national cultural celebration, scheduled from December 21-30, 2024, in Monrovia, is set to gather numerous artists from the cultural, musical, and artistic industries. The festival aims to foster peace, reconciliation, and unity through both traditional and modern artistic expressions.

Ambassador Kamara, speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, December 4, 2024, explained that the festival's name, "Dugbor," is the Bassa word for Monrovia. This initiative stems from extensive collaborative engagements with various creative unions, including the Musicians Union of Liberia, the Writers Association of Liberia, the Liberian Movie Union, the National Cultural Union, as well as individual designers, photographers, chefs, and visual artists. "Since we took over as Arts and Culture Ambassador, we decided to organize the creative sector so we can come together to promote Liberia's arts and culture," Kamara stated, emphasizing the long-term vision of creating an annual platform for Liberian artists to exhibit artifacts, perform dances, display paintings, and showcase the rich heritage of all 15 counties.

A significant highlight of the festival will be the participation of Liberia's national cultural troupe, various local troupes, and prominent members of the diaspora cultural group, including veteran actors, actresses, and musicians who have resided in the United States for many years. Ambassador Kamara confirmed the return of several renowned former performers to Liberia for the event. These include Annie Sirleaf, famous as "Rascal Garmai" from the television series Malawa Balawala; Isabella Wreh-Fofana, who portrayed Ma Saybah in the popular 'Flomo Show'; Annie Banti Zehyoue, President of Diaspora Culture Artist; Khata T. Soribah, a founding member of the Culture Ambassador Dance Troupe; Zinnah J. Cooper, a male singer and sasa player; Laura Freeman and Williametta Ammons, both members and founding members of the Culture Ambassador Dance Troupe, respectively; and Nimely Napla, former Director of the National Culture Troupe and Besaoh Culture Group. This diaspora involvement is aligned with the Liberia Diaspora Return Initiative, a government-endorsed program encouraging Liberians abroad to reconnect with their home country each December.

Throughout the 10-day event, organizers have planned a diverse series of cultural showcases. These include a grand opening parade, captivating live traditional and contemporary performances, extensive exhibitions of art, crafts, fashion, and Liberian cuisine, as well as culture-in-community pop-up stages spread across Monrovia. A special presidential program will also be held to honor Liberia's cultural heritage. Major venues for the festival include the National Heritage and Cultural Village and other selected performance areas throughout the capital city.

Acknowledging the substantial financial demands of staging such a national event, Ambassador Kamara affirmed a resolute commitment to launching the festival this year. Efforts are underway to engage government ministries, public corporations, and private institutions for sponsorship, offering branding and visibility benefits in return. Kamara highlighted the broader economic impact, stating, "Promoting Liberia's culture also promotes tourism, and tourism strengthens the economy." Furthermore, he disclosed that 10 counties have already been engaged, with confirmed groups prepared to travel to Monrovia once logistics are finalized. The ultimate vision behind the festival, he reiterated, is to restore value, pride, and national attention to Liberia's artistic heritage, emphasizing that "Liberia can only be built by Liberians. This event is not just entertainment; it's unity, identity, and peacebuilding through culture."