Tokay Tomah
Tokay Tomah was a professional singer and dancer in the National Cultural Troupe of Liberia, her homeland. Ever since war broke out in Liberia in the late 1980s, she devoted herself to encouraging the practice and appreciation of traditional songs in the midst of violence because of the ways they can help create a compassionate community. She became a songwriter as well as a performer, focusing on issues such as disarmament, reconciliation, gender inequality and HIV/AIDS. As a resident of the U.S. (since 2011), she continued to call attention to community problems both here and in Liberia, through song. Tokay made her spiritual transition in November 2017.
Awarded Grants
2014
Art and Change Grant (ACG)
Related grantees
Overview
Tokay will compose a Liberian traditional song and music video with input from young people that will educate Philadelphia youth about HIV/AIDS. Tokay hopes that this project will encourage compassion and positive action; set the stage for ongoing dialogue about harm reduction; and open the path to further work at the intersection of culture and public health as it relates to social justice.
Partner
2014
Leeway Transformation Award (LTA)
Related grantees
Overview
Tokay Tomah was a professional singer and dancer in the National Cultural Troupe of Liberia, her homeland. Ever since war broke out in Liberia in the late 1980s, she devoted herself to encouraging the practice and appreciation of traditional songs in the midst of violence because of the ways they can help create a compassionate community. She became a songwriter as well as a performer, focusing on issues such as disarmament, reconciliation, gender inequality and HIV/AIDS. As a resident of the U.S. (since 2011), she continued to call attention to community problems both here and in Liberia, through song.
