Fatu Gayflor
Fatu is a singer and songwriter who sings the traditional songs of Liberia’s 16 ethnic groups. Though she was born in rural Liberia and raised in the national artists’ village, Fatu was in exile in neighboring countries for 10 years. It was during this time that she started to compose songs based on traditional rhythms and melodies that address immediate concerns and call for change. Her songs focus on issues such as an end to ethnic and class violence, an end to forced conscription of children, and an end to second-class citizenship for women. She creates her work for Liberians here in the Philadelphia area and beyond. She also has a broader community – all African immigrants and people who suffer the impact of war and loss. Her art is a bridge to action. Fatu’s music encourages people to think critically about what they do and say, both paying attention to reality and also imagining an empowered future.
Awarded Grants
2012
Leeway Transformation Award (LTA)
Related grantees
Overview
Fatu is a singer and songwriter who sings the traditional songs of Liberia’s 16 ethnic groups. Though she was born in rural Liberia and raised in the national artists’ village, Fatu was in exile in neighboring countries for 10 years. It was during this time that she started to compose songs based on traditional rhythms and melodies that address immediate concerns and call for change. Her songs focus on issues such as an end to ethnic and class violence, an end to forced conscription of children, and an end to second-class citizenship for women. She creates her work for Liberians here in the Philadelphia area and beyond. She also has a broader community – all African immigrants and people who suffer the impact of war and loss. Her art is a bridge to action. Fatu’s music encourages people to think critically about what they do and say, both paying attention to reality and also imagining an empowered future.
