Rising Talent Taking Over Music Industry Poses Threat to Mainstream Artists Due to Proficiency in Lyrics

Monrovia, Liberia: The reality is clear: Liberia’s music industry is undoubtedly at a turning point. Over the past few months, the Liberian music industry has experienced a substantial shift, which was initiated by the success of "Butter My Bread" by Jzyno featuring Ghanaian music sensation Lasmid 

Struggling, talented emerging artists' songs have proven to be more impactful and void of politics than their mainstream counterparts. 

It is clear that big names in the Liberian music industry like TeddyRide, Takun J, Christoph The Change, Deng, CIC, and Kizzy W, among others, have long dominated the scene, with few initially serving as an inspiration for the younger ones.

For decades, Liberia’s music industry has been controlled by those prominent figures and artists whose ultimate focus is solely on hustling from their craft rather than using their platforms to consistently produce inspirational, relatable songs as they did years ago, songs that could serve as a beacon of hope while the majority of Liberians endure this time of hardship.

Several senior artists have been accused by music supporters and have expressed their discontentment through both the radio and several social media platforms.

According to their claims, senior musicians are now politically attached, prioritizing music for earning ambassadorial deals for sustainability over the true essence of music, storytelling, healing, and inspiration, referencing the days of "They Lie To Us," an intimidating music by Liberian hip-hop maestro "Takun J," who was known for being an outspoken critic of his nation's government. 

"They Lie To Us" was released by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Regime in 2015. A civil rights anthem that exposes political corruption and police brutality.

During that year it was a total short-down wherever, whenever that music comes on and is similar to "African Child" by "Christoph The Change," a song that shed light on the country's social discrimination, unlike now where the industry is filled with political musicians turning back on their commitment to the Liberia people.

However, the younger generation of artists is changing that narrative, discovering the true identity of Liberian music, and speaking to the audience's conscience and livelihood. 

The songs are so uplifting that they communicate so deeply and inspire the hopeless, with as many thought-provoking lyrics that resonate not just in Liberia but across diverse audiences.

One of the glaring examples of this shift can be seen in the recent success of rising artist S.I.O. 

After years of struggling in the industry and decided to take a break, his career was revived after it resurfaced; he got featured on IPM Gucs "Fake Love," among several other promising names who have long been finding it challenging to penetrate the entertainment circle of Liberia in spite of the barriers.

S.I.O.'s outstanding performance on the track immediately caught the attention of music lovers, with many praising his "chorus" more than the song’s original owner, IPM Gucs. 

Instead of celebrating the song’s success together, controversy erupted when Gucs reportedly felt overshadowed by the hype surrounding S.I.O.’s contribution.

Liberians minds still have not shifted from the unveiling talent of S.I.O. despite the backlash or controversy. The young inspirational recording artist S.I.O.’s talent remained unbearable and undeniable.

He recently released a snippet of his unleash "Blessing," which sent waves across the country,  starring a viral Tiktok challenge by both local and diaspora Liberians who must have felt directly connected to the all-time 2025 most anticipated "Blessing" lyrics.

The young lad's uplifting message and soulful voice touched Liberians so deeply that they couldn’t hold back their support. 

Social media platforms, blogs, and even major figures in the music industry have been stunned and entirely impressed by songs the younger generation of artists is producing lately—a mind-blowing way to think about what they will achieve in the next year.

S.I.O is not alone in this movement. Other rising stars like J Boy D Prophet, Lil Moore, Will Flash, and Magikall Briz have also been dropping hit songs that inspire and communicate real-life experiences. 

These young artists are shifting the culture, offering powerful messages through their music, something that many senior artists have failed to do.

The recent backlash against TeddyRide, a veteran artist, further highlights this shift. 

His latest song, Gunshot, has been terribly criticized by music lovers for lacking direction and proper vocal processing. 

Many Liberians have expressed frustration lately with mainstream artists continuously releasing what they term “trash music, which  is sought to instill a different image of the cognitive skills of generally Liberian artists to the outside world.

Social media users assert that a song released prior to the release of "Gunshot" and "Welezama" does not also inspire or contribute positively to society, mostly in such a time.

The following conveys the citizen’s recent comments:

"Disappointed! By far the worst music from TeddyRide.” 

"We can't move from Welezayma to this, bro."

"Teddy is good, but he just needs someone who will him to stop doing music."

"Your voice is on a different note; the beat is on a different note. The producer and the engineer didn't do you well on this other project.”

Fans believe that if senior artists are not making impactful music, they should give the younger generation a chance to showcase their talent and be accorded ambassadorial deals to support their career. 

As young artists continue to rise and prove their worth, music supporters are stressing the need for a shift in focus.

Many believe that senior artists should either step up and create meaningful music or step aside and allow younger talents to shine. 

There is also growing support for major brands and stakeholders to invest in these rising stars by offering them ambassadorial deals and funding opportunities to support their musical careers.

The new generation of artists is proving that talent, passion, and powerful storytelling are what truly matter. 

Now, it’s up to the industry and its supporters to ensure that these young voices are heard and given the recognition they deserve. 

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.