Faithvonic

Last updated
Faithvonic
Faithvonic.jpg
Background information
Birth nameFaith Terryson
BornLiberia
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2012–present
Website Official website

Faith Terryson, who is known professionally as Faithvonic, is a Liberian singer and songwriter from Grand Bassa County. She is also a fashion designer, graphic designer, content creator, and video director. Faithvonic derived her stage name from her first name and mother's name, and started writing and recording music in 2012. She signed a record deal with Kimmie Weeks' KLW Entertainment in 2014, but left the label in 2016 after her contract expired. On February 14, 2021, she released her debut extended play, Rich with You, to coincide with Valentine's Day. She has released music to raise awareness about Ebola and COVID-19, and has partnered with ActionAid Liberia on several humanitarian projects. Faithvonic's music is a mixture of Afropop and hipco.

Contents

Life and career

1995–2008: Early life and education

Faithvonic is a member of the Bassa tribe. [1] [2] She has four siblings and was raised by a single mother; her father died when she was two years old. [2] She was physically and mentally abused by her stepfather while growing up. [3] She started singing at the age of 10, and used music as a coping mechanism to deal with her childhood trauma. [3] In 2008, she moved to the Philippines to study at Southville International School and Colleges. [2] She also studied information technology and graphic design at Starz College of Science and Technology in Liberia. [2]

2012–present: Career beginnings, singles and Rich with You

In 2012, Faithvonic started writing and recording her own music. [3] She derived her stage name from her first name and mother's name Yvonne. [3] In 2014, Faithvonic signed a record deal with KLW Entertainment, a record label owned by Kimmie Weeks. [2] That same year, she and other artists formed the music collective LATA, an acronym for Liberia Artists Together for Advancement. [3] [4] The group recorded "The Hope Song", a track that raises awareness about Liberia's Ebola virus epidemic; the song was created in partnership with ActionAid Liberia. [3] In 2016, Faithvonic signed a new record deal with Nebo Records after her contract with KLW Entertainment expired. [2] Her debut single under Nebo Records, titled "Come For Me", was released in April 2017. [2] In August 2020, she partnered with ActionAid Liberia to release the COVID-19 awareness song "Africa Fight". [4]

In January 2021, Faithvonic collaborated with DJ Weezy, Natif, Fullest 4, and Young Classic to release "Bassa First Bassa Last", the official County Meet song for Grand Bassa County. [5] She lent vocals to Angel Dweh's Afropop single "Come Over", which was released on January 15, 2021. [6] [7] On February 14, 2021, Faithvonic released her debut extended play, Rich with You, to coincide with Valentine's Day. [1] The EP has six tracks and features guest appearances from Stunna, T Crack, and Kpanto. [1] It was initially intended to be released as an album but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her team decided to release it as an EP. [8] Produced by Mr. Valuable and Stunnashine, all of the songs on Rich with You are personal and depict real life events. [8] Faithvonic dedicated the EP's title track "Rich with You" to her fans and partner. [1]

In October 2022, Faithvonic released the single "Badway"; described as "an up-tempo, fast-paced ode to love", the song features vocals by Takun J and PCK. [9] Faithvonic dedicated the song to lovers and newlyweds and said listeners would easily relate to it. [9] She is a brand ambassador for several brands, including Glow Liberia, GC Luxury Beauty, and Zara Mall. [10]

Humanitarian work

Faithvonic partnered with ActionAid Liberia to hold a public dialogue at Red Light Market, where she spoke to men about violence against women. [11] She has also been involved with ActionAid Liberia's Safe Cities campaign and Activista youth network. [3] Moreover, she is a Girls Rights ambassador for the NGO, and has helped empower young girls across Liberia to advocate for their rights. [3] Faithvonic founded the "Speak Out Loud" foundation, an initiative that provides education for street sellers and underprivileged girls. [2]

Artistry and influences

Faithvonic's music is a mixture of Afropop and hipco. In an interview with Euronews, she said she makes music to uplift people and that creating music helps her cope with personal trauma. [11] The organization ActionAid stated that her music "amplify voices of young and often marginalized people" and "acts as a medium for creativity and innovation whilst raising awareness to change social behaviour". [4] Faithvonic has cited Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Shakira, and Ciara as her key influences. [2]

Discography

EPs

Awards and nominations

YearRecipientAwardResultRef
2015HerselfFemale Artist of the YearNominated [12]
2017 [13]
2018 [14]
2019 [15]
2020 [16]
2021 [17]
YearRecipientAwardResultRef
2018HerselfFemale Artist of the YearNominated [18]
2019 [19]
2020Best Female ArtistWon [20]
2021Nominated [21]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Culture of Liberia</span> Culture of the west african country of Liberia

The culture of Liberia reflects this nation's diverse ethnicities and long history. Liberia is located in West Africa on the Atlantic Coast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of Liberia</span>

The music of Liberia uses many tribal beats and often one of the native dialects, or vernacular. Liberian music includes traditional Gbema music, as well as the popular genre Hipco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liberian Entertainment Awards</span> Liberian awards show

The Liberian Entertainment Awards is an annual awards show, recognizing Liberians at home and in the diaspora for their outstanding contributions to the Liberian entertainment industry. The annual ceremony, held in the United States, features performances by established and promising artists. The LEA was founded in 2009 by Tarkus Zonen. The inaugural ceremony was held on January 31, 2009, at the Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Michael Davies, who is better known as Sundaygar Dearboy, is a Liberian singer, songwriter and record producer from Grand Bassa County. He sings primarily in Bassa and Liberian English and has released several studio albums, including See Boyee, Don't Live with Woman (2007) and Rebirth (2012). He was named the Liberian Musician of the Year in 2005-2006, and has produced thirteen albums to date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toya Delazy</span> Musical artist

Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi, who is known professionally as Toya Delazy, is a London-based South African singer, producer, pianist, dancer and performer from KwaZulu-Natal. She is known for her music genre called Afro Rave, which fuses techno, drum, bass and beats with Zulu lyricism. Delazy was nominated for Best International Act (Africa) at the 2013 BET Awards. Her debut studio album, Due Drop, was supported by the singles "Pump It On", "Love Is in the Air", "Are You Gonna Stay?", "Heart" and "Memoriam". Following the album's release, Delazy took home two awards at the 2013 SAMAs, including Newcomer of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Takun J</span> Liberian musician (born 1981)

Jonathan Koffa, who is known professionally as Takun J, is a Liberian rapper, singer, songwriter and activist. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of hipco, a politically charged music genre. The Liberian Gender Ministry designated him as one of its anti-rape ambassadors. Takun J's music addresses socio-political issues in Liberia. He is best known for the singles "Who Make You Cry", "Police Man", "Gbagba is Corruption", and "Song for Hawa". Takun J's debut studio album, The Time, was released in 2007. His second studio album, My Way, was released in December 2012. Takun J is the recipient of several accolades, including Male Artist of the Year and Hipco Artist of the Year at the 2014 Liberia Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yemi Alade</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter (born 1989)

Yemi Eberechi Alade, who is better known as Yemi Alade, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress and activist. Her music is a mixture of Afropop, highlife, dancehall, pop and R&B, and has been of influence in several countries across Africa. She sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili and Portuguese.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MzVee</span> Ghanaian dancehall musician

Vera Hamenoo-Kpeda, better known by her stage name MzVee, is a Ghanaian singer, afropop, dancehall and R&B artiste. Her debut solo album features several hit singles including 'Borkor Borkor, 'Natural Girl' and 'Dancehall Queen'. MzVee was signed to the record label Lynx Entertainment and was the winner of the New Artiste of the Year award at the 2015 Ghana Music Awards. She parted ways with Lynx Entertainment in the year 2019. She is currently a solo artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Niniola</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter

Niniola Apata, known professionally as Niniola, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She participated in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013 After releasing her debut single "Ibadi", she was nominated for Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makhadzi</span> South African singer

Ndivhunzannyi Ralivhona, known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer. Born and raised in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo, her career began at the age of 12 as dancer prior pursuing a music career as a singer, while she was attending school she signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released Muhwalo Uya Ndemela in 2015. She garnered local attention after her single "Tshanda Vhuya" released in 2017. Her second studio album Matorokisi (2019), debuted at number two in South Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hipco</span> Liberian rap music genre

Hipco, also referred to as HipCo or co, is a genre of hip hop from Liberia. It has been described by The Guardian as Liberia's "unique musical style" using "vernacular speech and political messages."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DenG</span> Liberian singer and songwriter

Daniel Tom George, who is known professionally as DenG, is a Liberian singer and songwriter from Bong County. He started his music career in 2000 as an RnB artist before making a guest appearance on Emma Smith's single "I Want to Go". DenG rose to prominence after being featured on Queen V's 2013 hit single "Jue You Bad". Following the success of "Jue You Bad", he switched from R&B to Afro pop.


Maurice Tosh Gayflor, who goes by the stage name Cralorboi CIC, is a Liberian Hipco and Kolopop singer, songwriter, actor and businessman. He was signed to SOG Records Empire between 2016 and 2021, and is known for the singles "Big Papa", "Jon Buttay", "Hello" featuring Joey B, and "Weekend" featuring Iyanya. He has been featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra and was part of One Africa Music Festival's global foundation event for COVID-19 awareness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayra Starr</span> Nigerian singer (born 2002)

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Beninese-born Nigerian singer. She began a fashion career at the age of 16 with Quove Model Management before deciding to pursue a career in music. After covering several songs by popular artists on Instagram, she posted her first original song on her page in December 2019. This brought her to the attention of record executive Don Jazzy, who signed her to his record label Mavin Records.

Etweda Ambavi Gbenyon Cooper, known as Sugars, is a Liberian politician and peace activist. She has been described as "the doyenne" and "the godmother" of the Liberian women's movement.

Caroline Moore, better known as MC Caro, is a Liberian rapper and songwriter. She gained recognition into the Liberian music industry through her viral free style" Pro Poor". MC Caro won Best Female Rapper of the Year Award at the 2020 MTN Liberia Music Awards.

Korte Dorbor Bazzie, who is known professionally as Kobazzie, is a Liberian singer and songwriter from Voinjama, Lofa County. He was inspired to pursue a career in music after hearing Quincy B's collaborative single with Tan Tan B, titled "State of Emergency". He is the recipient of several accolades, including New Artist of the Year at the 2016 Liberia Music Awards and Afropop Artist of the Year at the 2019 Tunes Liberia Music Awards.

Franklin Edward Harris, who is known professionally as Kpanto, is a Liberian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He started his music career in 2014 and gained recognition in 2015 after releasing a cover of Desiigner's single "Panda". His eponymous debut studio album, Skinny Boy Kpanto, was released on August 22, 2020. It comprises nine tracks and contains the songs "Take off Trouser", which was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2020 Liberia Music Awards, and "Flukor", which won Song of the Year at the 2021 Tunes Liberia Music Awards. His second studio album Sound from the Xtreetz, which was supported by the singles "Dey Say" and "Community Thing", won Album of the Year at the 2021 Liberia Music Awards. Kpanto released his third studio album, Son of the Soil, in 2022.

Rabbie Nassrallah, who is better known as Nasseman, is a Liberian reggae singer, songwriter, and activist. He gained recognition after releasing the 2015 single "Till We Meet Again", which was written to honor his mentor Ras Katata. His music primarily addresses social ills prevalent in Liberian society. Nasseman has written songs for several Liberian artists, and released the albums Till We Meet (2008) and Redemption Time (2012).

Eric Tarh, who is better known as Eric Geso, is a Liberian singer and songwriter. He is the recipient of several accolades, including Male Artist of the Year at the 2015 Liberia Music Awards and Best New Artist at the 2016 Liberian Entertainment Awards. His debut studio album, Aziooo, was released on May 15, 2019. It was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2019 Liberia Music Awards and for Best Album/Mixtape/Compilation at the 2020 Tunes Liberia Music Awards. Geso's music is a mixture of Afropop and Gbema.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Edwin Elic-Jaleiba (March 26, 2021). "Here's Everything you Need to know about Liberian Star 'Faithvonic of Africa'". Bellanaija. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Faithvonic debuts with a brand new single titled "Come For Me"". Liberian Stars View. April 10, 2017. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Juan Sanchez Gil (23 August 2021). "Liberian FaithVonic artist fights pandemic through musical education". The European Times. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 "Liberia's Musicians and Artists unite to fight Covid-19". ActionAid. September 22, 2020. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  5. "Grand Bassa All Stars – Bassa FIrst Bassa Last – [Prod. Dj Philly]". Plus Liberia. January 9, 2021. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  6. "Feel the Groove With Angel Dweh's Latest Single, "Come Over (feat. Faithvonic)"". Buzz Music. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  7. "Come Over (feat. Faithvonic) - Single by Angel Dweh". Apple Music. January 15, 2021. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  8. 1 2 Hope Kaizolu (February 9, 2021). "News & Trends: Faithvonic "Rich With You" EP Out Soon". Plus Liberia. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  9. 1 2 Lomax, Selma (October 13, 2022). "Faithvonic Teaming With Hipco Icon Takun J, PCK for Club Banger, Badway". Front Page Africa. Archived from the original on 2 November 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  10. Dodoo, Lennart (August 23, 2021). "Liberia: The Spirituality of Faithvonic's Art and elevation as a Marketing and Branding Phenomenon". Front Page Africa. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  11. 1 2 Puck Wagemaker (July 10, 2021). "Liberia's FaithVonic: on making music to overcome tragedy and diving into humanitarian aid". Euronews. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  12. "Liberia Music Awards Foundation Announces the nominees for the 2015 Liberia Music Awards". Constant Contact. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  13. "Official Nominees list - Atlanta 2017". Constant Contact. November 19, 2017. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  14. "Liberia Music Awards (LMA) 2018 Nominees". Plus Liberia. November 6, 2018. Archived from the original on 22 July 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  15. Bolaji Alonge (19 November 2019). "Liberia Music Awards 2019: All the winners". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  16. Gabriel Myers Hansen (16 November 2020). "MTN Liberia Music Awards 2020: All the winners". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  17. Gabriel Myers Hansen (27 September 2021). "MTN Liberia Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  18. "LMA 2018 Nominations Confirmed. See Full List!!!". Tunes Liberia. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  19. "TunesLiberia Music Awards 2019 Full Nominations". Tunes Liberia. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  20. Bolaji Alonge (25 February 2020). "TunesLiberia Music Awards 2020: All the winners". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  21. "TunesLiberia Music Award 2021 Official Nominees". Tunes Liberia. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2023.