LAGMA Holds Annual Award -Pres. Kettor Calls for Support to Gospel Artists

By H Matthew Turry

MONROVIA – The National Gospel Merit Awards Ceremony was a scene of excitement when the Liberia Association of Gospel Musical Artists (LAGMA) recognized and awarded several individuals including artists and humanitarians across the country for their immense contributions towards the growth of Liberian Gospel Music.

The honorees received recognition in different categories, which include Best Gospel Artist of the year, Outstanding Artists of the Year, Best Gospel Music Promoters, Humanitarian of the Year, Supportive Pastor of the Year, among others.

The colorful ceremony was held Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Monrovia Christian Fellowship on 9th Street, Sinkor, and saw in attendance Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, Deputy Director General for Copyright at the Liberia Intellectual Property Office, Clarence H. Cole, and the USA Chapter of LAGMA.

Recipients of the awards included Min. Simeon T. Davis, Mother. Grace N. Griffin, Min. Ester Weah, Paul J. Collins, Radio Advent, Bishop Sam Oge, Min. Josephine Kolubah, Mr. Smith K. Nugba Gospel Harmonizers, among others.

Speaking at the award and honoring ceremony, the President of the Liberia Association of Gospel Music Artists (LAGMA) Ambassador Miracle A. Kettor, said gospel musicians are important for the spiritual growth and development of any nation, with Liberia no exception.

Ambassador Kettor noted that over the years Liberian Gospel artists have not been respected by the Christian community in Liberia, especially some pastors who take their singing for granted in the Body of Christ.

According to her, the work of the Liberian Gospel music artists is not supported and appreciated by the Liberians, compared to foreign Gospel music and their artists in Liberia.

She emphasized that the lack of support and appreciation to promote Liberian Gospel music and artists financially and morally is undermining potential Gospel artists in Liberia.

Explaining the challenges Liberian Gospel artists go through, LAGMA President Kettor narrated by saying, “Some of us are still renting, while some of us are living in one room managing, yet we come out with smiles, but indoors we cried.

Ambassador Kettor asserted that despite all the challenges that Liberian Gospel artists go through to produce their music albums, Liberians condemn their work without any justification.

“The time people take to say negative things about Liberian Gospel artists, you can take that time to post one Gospel artist and say thank you, you are doing well,” she added.

LAGMA boss pointed out that Liberians should learn to appreciate and support their Gospel artists’ work, if the development of artistic works in Liberia is to advance to the global stage in the near future.

“You want us to upgrade, how do we upgrade, we need your help to upgrade us, “she explained.

Ambassador Kettor emphasized that it is about time for Liberian Gospel music artists to unite and support each other in their endeavor to produce quality Liberian Gospel music to the glory of God in Liberia.

Expressing her frustration over how Liberian Gospel artists are overlooked, Ambassador Kettor said, “We are going to start visiting one another to support each other. If we see that you need help, if it will cause us bitter balls to support one another, we will do it,” noting, “If that’s what Liberia wants us to sell bitter balls to each other, we will do it. If you don’t make us, no country will make us. If you don’t help us, no country is going to help us.”

In his brief remarks, the Deputy Director General for Copyright at the Liberia Intellectual Property Office Clarence H. Cole said, “God has given you this talent so that you can benefit, I encourage you today, if you record your songs, before you get them out please come at the Copyright office to get your song registered. To our Gospel Ministers, our Pastors, please if you are having your revivals, crusade, just as you will be budgeting for the generators, the PA system, please also budget for our artists to come to that revival, or crusade.

“I am saying this because we don’t want to shut down your crusade or revival, because our Task Force team will be on field shortly for any copyright violators,” he disclosed.

The Liberia Association of Gospel Musical Artists National Gospel Merit Awards is an annual award that is presented to artists, individuals, or institutions who contribute to the Liberia Gospel music in their different capabilities.