-New Arts & Culture Ambassador’s Appointment Attracts Mixed Reactions
By Jerromie S. Walters
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., announced the appointment of Mr. Kekura M. Kamara, also known as Malawala Balawala, as Liberia’s new Arts & Culture Ambassador. This decision has sparked a range of reactions from the public, with many interpreting the move as a potential replacement for Madam Juli Endee. According to an official statement from the Executive Mansion, Mr. Kamara’s appointment is effective immediately.
Diverse Opinions on the Appointment
The public’s response has been divided. Some believe that the roles of an honorary culture ambassador and an art and culture ambassador, who will be on the government’s payroll, are similar but will be executed from different perspectives. Madam Juli Endee has been an honorary culture ambassador since 1995, a title given to her by former interim President David Kpormakpor. Throughout her tenure, Endee has clarified that her role was honorary, without access to an office or budgetary allocation.
Cultural experts argue that such honorary titles cannot be transferred and can only be revoked for cause. An anonymous cultural elder pointed out that a government can have multiple honorary cultural ambassadors, emphasizing that Endee’s unmatched skills and talents ensure her continued relevance. He advocated for collaboration between Endee and Kamara, citing their distinct and valuable skills.
Government Stance and Clarifications
Despite some government propagandists suggesting that Endee has been replaced, there has been no official confirmation. Daniel O. Sando, Deputy Minister for Press & Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), declined to specify whether Kamara’s role would include a salary or office space at the Ministry.
“Per your question, if it will be a pro bono, I can’t speak to it because I will have to consult the terms of reference. But the Culture Ambassador, as Juli Endee has done, will be there to showcase the Liberian culture and undertake other initiatives that will highlight the cultural diversity of our country. I don’t know whether that office has been captured in the budget but what I know is that Madam Juli Endee received some support from the National budget,” Sando stated on Sunday.
Budgetary and Structural Considerations
Sando elaborated on the budget, noting, “Talking about budget, except the office of the Culture Ambassador will be captured in the next budget but again even the outgoing Culture Ambassador received a lot of support from the past government. What I do know from the Ministry of Information is that we are trying to bring all of these arts and culture unions under the umbrella of the Ministry. We want to renovate the Ministry to give it a facelift so that we can have all of those groups that fall under the Ministry of Information accommodated.”
He further clarified the significance of the Culture Ambassador role, stating, “The Culture Ambassadorial role is a position that is more like an honorary position. That person must showcase the diverse culture of the country.”
As the new Arts & Culture Ambassador, Mr. Kekura M. Kamara will have the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives to Liberia’s cultural landscape. However, the exact nature of his role and how it will coexist with the contributions of Madam Juli Endee remains to be seen. The government’s approach to integrating these roles will be crucial in promoting and preserving Liberia’s rich cultural heritage.
Kekura is not a stranger
Liberia’s new Culture Ambassador, Kekura Kamara is one of Liberia’s cultural icons. Kekura Kamara is an artist, actor, writer, and producer who has entertained and paid homage to his Liberian homeland for more than 30 years. Kekura started his artistic career in the early 1970s as a student of dance and folk songs at the National Cultural Center in Kendeja, and in the 1970s toured internationally to showcase Liberian music and dance. In 1988, Kekura created and starred in the televised drama series ‘Malawala Balawala’ which became Liberia’s most beloved TV show. Kamara is the Executive Director of the Balawala International Foundation (BIF) which aims to promote traditional communication, human rights, education, and democratic values through the performing arts.
Controvesies over Amb. Endee’s replacement
Following the appointment of the new Art and Culture Ambassador of Liberia, former vice president Jewel Howard Taylor characterized circumstances surrounding the replacement of Madam Juli Endee as a growing intolerance within the government, which she believes undermines the foundation of the nation.
She noted in a statement: “On Wednesday, August 14, I invited Queen Juli Endee to join me at the dedication of the remarkable City of Hope facilities in Marshall City. I was grateful that she accepted the invitation, bringing her warmth and joy to the event, and adding a profound sense of honor to the occasion in support of H.E. Clar Marie Weah.”
However, Madam Taylor’s sentiments quickly turned to concern as she learned of Endee’s recent replacement from her role as Culture Ambassador. “It deeply saddens me to learn that Queen Juli Endee has now been relieved of her position as Culture Ambassador—a role she served with honor and dignity, bringing our rich culture to life in all sectors of society. Reports suggest that her presence at the City of Hope event may have led to her removal, which is deeply troubling,” she said.
Like Madam Taylor, Jefferson T. Koijee, Secretary General of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and former Mayor of Monrovia, condemned the actions of Joseph Boakai, and accused him of allegedly fostering divisiveness and tribal bigotry in Liberia, in the wake of Boakai’s controversial decision to remove Juli Endee from her position as Cultural Ambassador.
Koijee described President Boakai’s actions as “pathetic and disappointing,” emphasizing that Endee’s removal was unjustified, particularly as it followed her attendance at the opening of Madam Clar Weah’s Foundation. “Madam Endee served under the Unity Party Government for twelve years, and during our leadership, we never ostracized or removed her,” Koijee stated. “We recognized her as a talented Liberian who deserves the opportunity to serve her country.”
What did Juli do?
For years, Amb. Juli Endee was criticized for what many saw as her deliberate refusal to relinquish the title- “Culture Ambassador”, in which she was not an appointed government position. Named as Liberia’s Culture Ambassador in 1995 under the leadership of the late David Kpormakpor, Madam Endee has been hailed for playing a climactic role in positively exemplifying the Liberian culture both at home and in the diaspora. In recognition of her contributions to peacebuilding, Madam Endee was crowned the Traditional Queen of Liberia in 2000 by the nation’s elders, chiefs, and Zoes.
This honor was a reflection of her key role in the peace process among the leaders of the Mano River Basin during a tumultuous period when Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea were embroiled in conflict. She served as the Chairman of the Social Mobilization Committee for the Polio Immunization efforts in Liberia in 1998. Through her leadership, Liberia successfully fought against the polio virus, culminating in the nation being declared polio-free.
This achievement led to her recognition as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, underscoring her commitment to the welfare of children in sub-Saharan Africa. Madam Endee’s contributions to Liberia extend beyond cultural advocacy. Her initiatives, such as the “Cry for Peace” campaign—now known as Liberia Crusaders for Peace—demonstrate her unwavering dedication to national healing.
She was also instrumental in the disarmament of the first soldier during the Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DDRR) process in 2003. Furthermore, she worked with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s social mobilization campaign in 2005 and contributed to combating Ebola and COVID-19 in Liberia
