Doloquee
Edwin Olu Bestman, a prominent Liberian scholar, has provided an unpopular but not strange opinion about Liberian musicians. His view comes weeks after a famous social media influencer — Strong Gbanna Pekin — questioned the need for Liberian bloggers to step up their game.
Strong Gbanna Pekin asserted that 97% of Liberians’ blogs only operate on a copy-and-paste level. He further stated that excluding CLiberiaClearly and the defunct Liberian Billboard, he had not seen any real analytical Liberian blog.
“Unfortunately, about 97% of [the] so-called Liberian blogs are mere Facebook pages that only copy and paste what other people post on Social Media,” said Strong Gbanna Pekin.
He continued, “Besides CLiberiaClearly and the now defunct Liberian Billboard, I have not seen any blog or blogger pen a real analysis or idea on Social, Political or Religious Issues. Even most of the gossip you share on your Facebook pages are mere captions…”
Weeks after his controversial post, Mr. Bestman took to social media to give his view on the statement. He backed his argument with three significant points.
Edwin’s third point laid an exclusive claim as to how “ungrateful” and “selfish” Liberian musicians are. Edwin is a brilliant writer by passion and a sharp engineer by profession. He has worked with many people from diverse backgrounds, including entertainers.
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Edwin Full Statements
“What’s my take on blogging in Liberia?
The last time I read a statement from Strong Gbana Pekin concerning blogs in Liberia. I sighed and then smiled. Here are some facts I’ve gathered about the blogging community and the people who follow those blogs.
I. Most Liberians go for the negatives:
Once you create a blog and start to cover sensitive materials, people in Liberia are not involved in it. They do not buy such an idea. It seems stupid and meaningless. For example, Daily Dose by far, it’s the most educative blog in Liberia. But how many people talk about Daily Dose?
II. Most Liberians do not read: This has been a culture for a very long period of time in Liberia. There are only a few Liberians who find reading as an excitement. Research has proven that most Liberians do not open a book. They just skip information and argue about things they do not know. For most Liberians, it’s better to learn through arrogance than obedience.
III. The people being blogged for are unappreciative: Liberian musicians/artists are the world’s most ungrateful and selfish humans. They do not even appreciate you for posting them. Many do think that you’re doing a favor by posting their activities. They do not even share, like or comment. Imagine Dax most times reply a thousand of people! Why Liberian musicians/artists are always mean, selfish and ungrateful to the people who push their craft?
Blogging is a great business. People make millions from blogging. We do celebrate other bloggers from different countries. I do not think their artists are mean and ungrateful as ours. Furthermore, there are different types of blogs. People can carve from which angle they want to blog – entertainment, gossip, education, etc.
There are others who think they can ride on you and pay to other blogs. I’ve seen this a million times. The truth is business before pleasure. If Liberian bloggers will make some millions, it’s time we change the negative stereotypes. It’s time we start to get paid for the work we do.
For the people on my team, they are utility players. We can survive in many different areas. We are built for every circumstance.
As the saying goes, if your house doesn’t sell you, the street won’t buy you. So, going to Ghana and other places for support without holding it down in Liberia, it’s a waste of time. It’s a waste of energy, resources and every effort you put in. Let your country embrace you first.
Embrace the people and everything will fall in place. Do not be stingy! Today, thousands of Nigerian musicians/artists are enjoying because of ‘GIVING.’ The Bible records, [that] the one who gives, such person receives.
Best regards,
Edwin Olu Bestman”
6 comments
Thank you for sharing, my brother.
The time is coming when your hard work will paid off. Continue to sow Daily Dose.
Edwin, you have spoken well Liberian artists are greedy and lack creativity.
So great of you comrade scholar
I love your writings
Wow, that’s so accurate, Olu, my brother. Our so-called musicians are incredibly egotistical. Why would a blog continue to write about you when you can’t even show your appreciation for their work by sharing and commenting? This is one of the main reasons why their songs will only continue to be played in this nation.
Recently, Psquare claimed in an interview that they were unfamiliar with Liberian music, and they are accurate. Bloggers who are expected to increase their fame are receiving poor treatments.
Olu spoke our minds, brother. We too are victims of their egotistical attitude. We have written a couple of free articles for them but have not been recognized by most of them. Only a few are different.