MONROVIA — The spirit of cultural diplomacy took center stage this week when Liberia’s Arts and Culture Ambassador, Ambassador Kekura M. Kamara, paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of India to Liberia, H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma, at his Coconut Plantation residence.
The two envoys held wide-ranging discussions centered on film, music, and technology—areas considered vital to cultural and creative growth. Both emphasized the need for greater collaboration between Liberia and India’s creative industries, drawing from India’s globally recognized development model in the arts.
“Culture unites people beyond borders.” — Ambassador Manoj Bihari Verma
Ambassador Verma pledged to facilitate the participation of a Liberian cultural troupe at the India Cultural Festival slated for February 2026. He also announced that an Indian cultural troupe will visit Liberia to perform at the Dugbor Cultural Festival in December 2025.
Accompanying Ambassador Kamara were creative industry leaders: Abraham Mustapha Swaray, President of the Musicians Union of Liberia (MULIB); Abdul Karimm Sheriff, President of the Liberia Movie Union (LIMU); and Amadou L. Sayon, Administrative Assistant to the Arts and Culture Ambassador.
The meeting has been hailed as a strategic partnership that places culture at the heart of diplomacy, opening new doors for Liberia’s artists to reach global audiences.
Dugbor Cultural Festival: A New Stage for Liberia’s Creative Renaissance
When Liberia hosts the Dugbor Cultural Festival in December 2025, it will not just be another cultural event. It will be a declaration that the country’s creative industry is ready to take its place on the global stage.
Planned as a multi-day event, Dugbor will feature music, film screenings, traditional dances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops. Its vision is to showcase Liberia’s rich heritage while creating economic opportunities for artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
“Dugbor will not be a one-time showpiece; it will be a recurring celebration that strengthens cultural pride.” — Ambassador Kekura M. Kamara
The inclusion of an Indian cultural troupe adds international weight, signaling that Dugbor aims to be a hub of cross-cultural exchange. For young Liberian artists, the festival represents a chance to step into the global limelight.
Ambassador Kekura M. Kamara: Liberia’s Voice for Culture and Diplomacy
As Liberia’s Arts and Culture Ambassador, Kekura M. Kamara has become a driving force behind the nation’s cultural renaissance. His role blends diplomacy, advocacy, and vision, ensuring Liberia’s artistic voice is heard both at home and abroad.
Known for bridging traditional heritage with modern platforms, Kamara has worked to strengthen collaborations between musicians, filmmakers, and cultural institutions. His recent engagement with Indian Ambassador Manoj Bihari Verma reflects his belief in the power of cultural diplomacy.
“When we tell our story through music, art, and film, we celebrate who we are and invite the world to know us better.” — Ambassador Kamara.
Looking forward, Kamara envisions a Liberia where the creative industry drives employment, investment, and national pride. The Dugbor Festival and Liberia’s participation in India’s Cultural Festival are only the beginning.
