As a proud and devoted entertainment promoter of Liberian music, I can’t name one or two artiste who each year create a Christmas song to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. In Liberia, the majority of Liberians are Christians, and on top of that, we celebrate Christmas fervently. Churches are usually full of watch nights, drama plays, singing, fasting, praying, etc. So, now you can see why I’m surprised. Recently, a friend of mine also mentioned the exact same concern. Matter of fact, she brought it up and had me wondering the same.
By releasing a brand-new song titled “Christmas on you,” award-winning, Liberian International traditional musician Mz Menneh, who resides in the US, has changed that this year.
The song was influenced by our early childhood experiences in Liberia, including Liberians homes and the ones that are in the diaspora.
“My Christmas on You ooo,” is a common expression, which often denotes that you owe that individual who uttered the word money or whatever you can give. You are now required to give something, It’s basically, gift gifting.
Mostly, you get away with more of “My Christmas ON YOU” when you’re a kid because it’s a big deal when you tell an older person that your Christmas is on him/her.
As for adults, we usually tell each other, If your Christmas is on me, I will wash it off with water or Clorox, etc. Lol, it’s generally done as fun and we laugh it off.
When it’s Christmas time, our parents, especially our mothers, buy us clothes, and shoes, and maybe even have our hair braided with “attachment” (the hair that is used to do braids) by one of the neighborhood aunts a week before Christmas. We then tie our hair up as tight as possible to keep it fresh for Christmas Day.
The night before December 25th, our mothers, neighbors, and friends will have finished preparing their meals. They’ll get up early on Christmas Day and start cooking so that the food is ready by noon. Then, after taking showers and assisting our mothers in the kitchen, we’ll be ready to enjoy our special day. Kids can now go out and about in their area to receive their gifts, which typically take the shape of food, sweets, photo opportunities, hugs, rides in cars, money, etc.
If you have gone through the aforementioned, this brand-new Mz Menneh sound will serve as a reminder of what the new song “Christmas on you” brings.
As you know, Mz Menneh possesses talent, expertise, and a wealth of interesting tales. This song is another illustration of the tale she wished to tell. So, if you enjoy wonderful music that will get you in the Christmas spirit as I do, go listen and share. You can share a story with us with you like. I look forward to reading your comments.
Oh, and one more thing: “My Christmas on all lor y’all ooo, and you can’t wash it off!”
Listen here: “Christmas ON YOU”
Written by First Lady/ Augustina Kou Monpleh
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