We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kerkula Blama. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kerkula below.

Hi Kerkula , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

It all started in 2016 when I moved to Monrovia to further my education after graduating from High School. In Monrovia, I was introduced to a music studio by a friend who was into music. There, I began to have the interest in music and started paying frequent visits at the studio to learn how to create beats and produce a song.

I took my passion to another level when I borrowed a laptop from a friend to practice the little knowledge I learned from the studio by myself. Using only a laptop, earpiece, and downloaded free beats from the internet I started music production in my room.

As time went by, my friend had another use for his laptop and took it away this ending my music producer era so I had to go back to the studio with my friend who was almost done with the production of his music. When his friend got done with the project, it was time to get the songs uploaded on some downloading and streaming platforms.

Being that I was more of a tech and internet person he looked up to me to get it done and that’s how we got in contact with a local music platform, PlusLiberia.

The admin at PlusLiberia agreed to have the music published but asked us to create our own caption/description that’ll be used to provide some information about the artist and the song. And that was how I did the caption the admin saw as perfect and because of my style of writing he decided to have me onboard his team as an entertainment writer/blogger.

But when I got deep into entertainment and saw some of the ills that I thought to flag, my boss could not let those stories out. Though for two years I did interviews and wrote captivating stories for the platform. His denial of my story then pushed me to create a Facebook page of my own to start blog him on. So in 2018, the blog came to life and that’s how I started blogging and sharing my stories.

That same year, I took the bold step to turn my Facebook page into a blog by adding a website www.geezliberia.com and changing the name from LibGeez to Geez Liberia.

Fast forward to today, my blog has grew massively and has gained traction, respect and huge recognition nationwide. The blog has been nominated for several awards and has won one major in recent years, the Paynesville Entertainment Awards 2024.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Introduction and Background:
My name is Kerkula Blama, born on April 25, 1994, in Salala, Bong County, Liberia. I am the CEO and Founder of Geez Liberia, a leading Liberian blog dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and entertainment. I am also the creator of the Tea With Ake Podcast, a platform designed to showcase young Liberian talents, entrepreneurs, and politicians through engaging conversations.

I grew up during Liberia’s civil crisis (1990–2003), which shaped my early years. My family later moved to Monrovia, where I began my primary education. After my father secured a job at the Firestone Rubber Plantation, we relocated there, and I continued my education within the Firestone School System, graduating from Firestone Liberia Senior High School in 2015.

Currently, I am a second-year student at the African Methodist Episcopal University, pursuing a Management Major and a Public Administration Minor. In 2022, I completed a Website Design program at the Orange Digital Center, where I graduated top of my class.

Products/Services/Creative Works:
I am the founder of Geez Media, a network of blogs and platforms that includes Geez Liberia, Geez Sports, Geez Nigeria, Geez Ghana, Geez Fashion, AME University Geez and Geez Salone. These platforms aim to promote arts, culture, and entertainment across Liberia and West Africa.

In 2021, I launched my YouTube channel, where I discuss hot topics in the entertainment industry. My channel, Kerkula Blama (Aketella), has garnered over 1,200 Subscribers and 150,000 organic views.

My latest venture, the Tea With Ake Podcast, is now available on all major digital platforms. The podcast focuses on exposing young Liberian talents, entrepreneurs, and politicians, providing them with a platform to share their stories and insights.

Problem-Solving and Unique Value:
My work addresses the lack of visibility and platforms for Liberian creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural advocates. Through Geez Liberia and its sister platforms, I provide a space for storytelling, artistic expression, and cultural preservation. My podcast and vlogs aim to inspire and empower young Liberians by showcasing their talents and achievements.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend activism, entrepreneurship, and creativity to create meaningful impact. I am committed to authenticity and using my platforms to bridge gaps between tradition and modernity, ensuring that Liberia’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated and preserved.

Achievements and Pride:
I am most proud of building Geez Media from the ground up and seeing it grow into a network that reaches multiple countries. Some of my notable achievements include:

-Blog/Blogger of The Year – Paynesville Entertainment Awards 2024

– Nominated for the WAFRIC Awards 2019 as Best Online Blogger of the Year.

-Nominated for the Young Achievers Africa Awards 2025 as Blogger of the Year.

– Five nominations for Geez Liberia at the Paynesville Entertainment Awards from 2019 to 2024

– Becoming the first Liberian blogger to achieve over 150,000 organic Instagram followers in 2022.

– Graduating top of my class at the Orange Digital Center with a Certificate in Website Design.

Message to Potential Clients/Followers/Fans:
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that Geez Liberia is more than just a blog, it’s a movement. It’s about celebrating our culture, amplifying our voices, and creating opportunities for growth and connection. My work is driven by a deep love for Liberia and a belief in the power of storytelling and creativity to drive change.

Whether you’re an artist, a sports enthusiast, or someone passionate about African culture, there’s a place for you in the Geez community.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of my life was during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia in 2014. At the time, I was a student at Firestone Liberia Senior High School, preparing to graduate and take the WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination). The outbreak brought the entire country to a standstill, including schools, businesses, and daily life.

The uncertainty was overwhelming. Schools were closed indefinitely, and many of my peers and I were left in limbo, unsure if we would ever complete our education or take the exams we had worked so hard for. The fear of the virus, coupled with the disruption of our academic plans, created a sense of hopelessness for many.

However, I refused to let the situation defeat me. During the lockdown, I took it upon myself to continue studying at home, using whatever materials I had available. I reached out to teachers and classmates for support, forming small study groups (while adhering to safety guidelines) to keep our minds sharp and focused. It was a challenging time, but I remained determined to finish what I had started.

When schools finally reopened and the WASSCE was rescheduled, I was among the 700+ students who passed all their courses and earned their diplomas. The graduation ceremony, initially planned for 2015, was postponed to 2016 due to the outbreak, but I walked across that stage with pride, knowing I had overcome one of the most difficult periods of my life.

This experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. It showed me that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, staying focused on your goals and maintaining a positive mindset can lead to success.

The lessons I learned during the Ebola outbreak have stayed with me throughout my journey, whether it was building Geez Liberia from scratch, launching my YouTube channel, or creating the Tea With Ake Podcast. Each step of the way, I’ve carried that same determination to push through challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities.

This story is a testament to my belief that no matter how difficult the circumstances, resilience and hard work can lead to triumph. It’s a message I hope inspires others to keep going, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

From my journey as a blogger and entrepreneur, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that artists and creatives face in Liberia and across Africa. To build a thriving creative ecosystem, society must take intentional steps to empower and uplift creatives. Here are some key actions that can make a significant impact:

1. Invest in Education and Training
Society must prioritize arts education and provide access to training programs that equip creatives with the skills they need to succeed. For example, my experience at the Orange Digital Center, where I earned a Certificate in Website Design, showed me how transformative skill-building can be. Governments, NGOs, and private institutions should create more opportunities for creatives to learn digital skills, business management, and other tools that can help them monetize their talents.

2. Create Platforms for Exposure
Artists and creatives need platforms to showcase their work and reach wider audiences. This is why I founded Geez Liberia and launched the Tea With Ake Podcast, to give young Liberian talents a voice and a space to shine. Society can support creatives by funding and promoting local platforms like blogs, podcasts, galleries, and festivals that celebrate art and culture.

3. Provide Financial Support and Resources
Many creatives struggle to fund their projects or turn their passions into sustainable careers. Society can help by establishing grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities specifically for artists and creatives. Additionally, providing access to affordable tools, equipment, and workspaces can make a huge difference. For instance, when I started as a producer in 2016, I relied on a borrowed laptop and free internet beats, imagine what I could have done with proper resources! And even now with my podcast that is struggling to survive without!

4. Foster Collaboration and Networking
A thriving creative ecosystem thrives on collaboration. Society can encourage partnerships between artists, businesses, and policymakers to create opportunities for growth. For example, my work with PlusLiberia early in my career opened doors for me as a writer and web manager. Networking events, mentorship programs, and creative hubs can help creatives connect, learn, and grow together.

5. Promote Cultural Pride and Preservation
Art and culture are the heart of any society. By celebrating and preserving our cultural heritage, we can inspire creatives to take pride in their work and tell authentic stories. Platforms like Geez Liberia aim to do just that, showcase the richness of Liberian arts and culture. Society can support this by investing in cultural initiatives, museums, and educational programs that highlight the value of creativity.

6. Advocate for Policies that Protect Creatives
Governments and institutions must create policies that protect the rights of artists and creatives. This includes intellectual property rights, fair compensation, and access to healthcare and social security. When creatives feel secure and valued, they can focus on producing their best work.

7. Encourage Mentorship and Role Models
Having mentors and role models can be life-changing for young creatives. I’ve been fortunate to connect with inspiring individuals who guided me on my journey. Society can support mentorship programs that pair emerging artists with experienced professionals who can offer advice, encouragement, and opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.geezliberia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aketella
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aketellaofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aketella
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aketella
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aketella
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/e8RHbGUv8TU5WJ9s9

Image Credits

All Credit to Kerkula Blama