In West Africa and North America, four Liberian women use their music to address injustice and inspire action for social change.
Survivors of Liberia’s civil wars, Fatu, Marie, Tokay and Zaye are accomplished, brilliant singers – mothers, refugees, immigrants, Africans – who haven’t stopped contributing positively to the world, no matter the obstacles. Because of the War documents the power of traditional songs to make meaningful connections between and among people, and to help re-build communities.
Fatu Gayflor
A superstar recording artist from Liberia has become a voice of -- and comfort for -- women who have lost children to violence, following the disappearance of her own son in the chaos of war in her homeland.
Marie Nyenabo
In the destructive aftermath of Liberia’s civil war, Marie has used her music to encourage reconciliation between victims and perpetrators, and to counter divisiveness in her adopted home of the U.S.
Tokay Tomah
In the face of war and displacement in her homeland, a Liberian dancer and singer chose an artistic path that made a mark on her country’s peace process.
Zaye Tete
A mother and performing artist from Liberia who focused on saving and nurturing both her children and her culture in trying circumstances as a refugee in camps in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, has continued those efforts as an immigrant in the U.S.
About Liberia
"These women sing for deep and urgent reasons."
-- Dr. Ruth Stone, ethnomusicologist
