ACCRA, Ghana – Legendary Liberian singer Miatta Fahnbulleh has introduced the discharge of her long-awaited fifth studio album, Nonetheless Kicking It, set to launch in Accra, Ghana on August 3, 2025. At 77, the trailblazing artist is proving as soon as once more that age isn’t any barrier to creativity, ardour, and musical excellence.
By Odarty Blackie, contributing author
Identified for her iconic Nineteen Eighties hit Kokolioko, a Sierra Leonean folks tune that dominated Liberian airwaves, Fahnbulleh is ready to make a robust return after many years and not using a full-length studio launch. Her final album, Simply For You, got here out in 1989.
The brand new venture, Nonetheless Kicking It, blends soul, Afrobeat, highlife, and politically infused ballads that replicate each her musical evolution and lifelong advocacy. Fahnbulleh first teased the album earlier this month by way of her social media deal with, @Miatta Aries Fahnbulleh, with a flyer asserting the official launch occasion on the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra.
“I’m 77, and I thank God I’m nonetheless doing it,” she stated. The voice and physique are nonetheless holding collectively. I will not be as versatile as I used to be throughout Amo Sake Sa, however I’m nonetheless right here—nonetheless kicking it.”
The album features a tribute to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris titled Kamala’s Track, a robust anthem for ladies that echoes the spirit of her earlier hit Obaa. One other standout observe, Nakubenda—Swahili for “I like you”—was written by Ghanaian artist Akablay and reimagined by Fahnbulleh in her signature soulful type.
Musically, Nonetheless Kicking It encompasses a dynamic ten-piece ensemble together with acclaimed guitarist Akablay and keyboardist Eric Anthonio. Rising Liberian stars F.A and Cypher the King additionally seem on a remix of her 1978 basic Amo Sake Sa, with F.A on vocals and Cypher including a recent rap verse.
“Individuals all the time ask why I don’t remix my songs,” Fahnbulleh stated. “So I made a decision to do one thing recent for the younger people.”
The upcoming launch builds on latest singles, together with Candy Mama (2019), which charted in South Africa, and Completely happy New 12 months, launched on Apple Music in January 2025. Her Kokolioko basic even resurfaced in 2020, reaching #83 on the iTunes chart as a part of the Black Star Liner: Reggae From Africa compilation.
Born right into a politically lively Liberian household, Fahnbulleh defied her father’s needs to pursue music—a alternative that formed her journey as not only a performer however a cultural pressure. Her music, like that of South African icons Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie, and fellow Liberian Queen Fatu Gayflor, channels activism, resilience, and the soul of a continent.
The August third launch occasion shall be a celebration of African music and womanhood, that includes performances from Tanya Garnett, Amanda Wolo, Nicolas B, Nigerian stars Stella Monye and Dede Mabiaku, and Ghanaian powerhouses Efya and Enam.
After many years of quiet, Miatta Fahnbulleh is again—and he or she’s acquired one thing to say. Nonetheless Kicking It isn’t only a comeback; it’s an announcement. The music by no means stopped—it solely acquired wiser.
