I would preferred calling the gbetu a male masked dancer, for it is exclusively used for entertainment purposes by traditional Liberian. The gbetu originate from the Gola tribe of Liberia of which I am a proud member. I just published a book: “wanted: a man without a scar”. In my book I described in detail the acrobatic moves the gbetu is capable of producing. If you are interested in a copy of my book, please sent me an e-mail: s.mcgee@telfort.nl
@Sam10kai I am interested in your book and will email you. I do feel that we must AGAIN define our cultures for ourselves. We have let outsiders come in and define us; define us as evil as long as we practice our traditions.
I found this for those of you interested in the subject: on the internet-- Lester P. Monts--An Annoted Glossary of Vai Musical Language and its Social Contexts.
It's true, "devil" is the term we learnt. Masked dancers are called devils in the Caribbean too. But now we now know through greater awareness that not all the masqueraders were meant to represent evil spirits but served various functions; maybe it is time we name those meant to be representations of ancestral keepers of morality, protectors, bearers of good luck etc., differently. Why keep the name? Some have apologized for putting this tag on our customs. We too must change! Agree?
@enolStlucie Devil doesn't just have to be a term synonymous to Lucifer. Another definition is: a person of notable energy, recklessness, and dashing spirit; also : one who is mischievous, which can be applied to many of these 'country devils'. I personally won't change the title because it's what we've grown up knowing them as. Keep the discussion open tho and thanks for your comment.s
Isn't the term 'masked-dancer' better than the term "devil?" We should stop using maligning terminologies that Westerners use to demonize African culture.
but the term devil is what we African call it, and it's Ben like that since i was born, i know a lot about that but it scares me to talk about it. i think that's why we call it the devil.
I would preferred calling the gbetu a male masked dancer, for it is exclusively used for entertainment purposes by traditional Liberian. The gbetu originate from the Gola tribe of Liberia of which I am a proud member. I just published a book: “wanted: a man without a scar”. In my book I described in detail the acrobatic moves the gbetu is capable of producing. If you are interested in a copy of my book, please sent me an e-mail: s.mcgee@telfort.nl
Sam10kai 4 months ago
@Sam10kai I am interested in your book and will email you. I do feel that we must AGAIN define our cultures for ourselves. We have let outsiders come in and define us; define us as evil as long as we practice our traditions.
capopreg 2 months ago
Comment removed
Sam10kai 4 months ago
abal omuluzinho...
guitarspectre 7 months ago
Well thank you: I appreciate your comment. You are on point. The topic is one of interest to me. I will certainly keep in touch.
enolStlucie 1 year ago
I found this for those of you interested in the subject: on the internet-- Lester P. Monts--An Annoted Glossary of Vai Musical Language and its Social Contexts.
enolStlucie 1 year ago
It's true, "devil" is the term we learnt. Masked dancers are called devils in the Caribbean too. But now we now know through greater awareness that not all the masqueraders were meant to represent evil spirits but served various functions; maybe it is time we name those meant to be representations of ancestral keepers of morality, protectors, bearers of good luck etc., differently. Why keep the name? Some have apologized for putting this tag on our customs. We too must change! Agree?
enolStlucie 1 year ago
@enolStlucie Devil doesn't just have to be a term synonymous to Lucifer. Another definition is: a person of notable energy, recklessness, and dashing spirit; also : one who is mischievous, which can be applied to many of these 'country devils'. I personally won't change the title because it's what we've grown up knowing them as. Keep the discussion open tho and thanks for your comment.s
tweefur 1 year ago
Isn't the term 'masked-dancer' better than the term "devil?" We should stop using maligning terminologies that Westerners use to demonize African culture.
LabeerehnGbanna 1 year ago
@LabeerehnGbanna
but the term devil is what we African call it, and it's Ben like that since i was born, i know a lot about that but it scares me to talk about it. i think that's why we call it the devil.
Lizzybabeify 1 year ago
i rmb runnin away wen i ws lil lol
Orlandolover01 2 years ago
my fam always talk about this and i always wanted to see it.
c4l1990 2 years ago
remember the bassa devil
dey say he can run very fast
Bazz7999 2 years ago
Aaay yah. This brings back so many memories of my childhood.
teah82 3 years ago
I remember they use to say the Kewah in Millsburg will eat you and leave pupu on the ground! Wow, this brings back memories.
czogbe 3 years ago
dey use to scare me so bad i still dont like them like that
pauline9561 3 years ago
I use to be afraid of this when i was a small girl!!
IloveSEANTAYLOR 3 years ago
Wow!! I havent seen anything like this since i was.. uhm.. 6?? and Im 25 now!
Mardevac 3 years ago
cool cool stuff
blk24ga 3 years ago
I LOVE IT SOOOOOOOOO MUCH
ALIBERIAN1 3 years ago