The Chinese have a fairly substantial presence here. Their businesses have contracts for almost all the roads and stadiums being built, a Chinese company just led a $US 2.6 billion mining investment (about 7 times Liberia's GDP), they have a massive embassy and there are many independent merchants and businesses throughout the country.
So it is not that surprising that China Radio International broadcasts in several Liberian cities.
However, CRI's commitment to playing country music all day long every Sunday fuses cultures at unexpected levels. In the heart of a snarling West African city, listening to Hank Williams, Dolly Parton and Townes van Zandt on a battery powered radio is a great combo.
American country, brought to you in Liberia by China Radio International. Amazing.
Almost as awesome as when local kids see me and point and yell "Chinese man, Chinese man," a phenomenon that occurs with more frequency you would expect for a 6 foot two white guy with a beard. It usually takes me about a day to stop laughing from that...
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2 weeks ago
1 comment:
That was hilarious. I just found your blog today and am thankful for it. I am the mother of a Liberian-born adopted child here in the US. I can't wait to follow more your stories on what is happening in this country that is so close to my heart. Thanks for writing. . .nothing is too insignificant! The articles are great and so are the funny stories about daily life!
Brandi
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