by Victor Quitee
MONROVIA — This February, the streets of Monrovia will transform into a vibrant tapestry of traditional dance and national pride as the Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival 2026 takes center stage.Organized by the Dehkontee Artists
Theatre, Inc. (DATI), the festival isn’t just a party—it’s a high-stakes mission to build Liberia’s first-ever School of Performing and Visual Arts and Center for Peace and Cultural Studies.A Double MilestoneThe event marks a “golden” era for Liberian arts:52 Years of Service: Celebrating the career of Rabbi Joe Gbaba, a legendary playwright and director.49 Years of DATI: Honoring the longest-surviving collegiate literary society in Liberia, founded at the University of Liberia.Despite its international prestige and 501(c)(3) status, DATI is making an urgent plea for financial support. The proposed school aims to move beyond performance, offering accredited training in Liberian languages, music, and visual arts to empower the nation’s youth.
Culture with a Purpose: The Queen ContestIn a strategic move to boost the building fund, the DATI Peace and Culture Queen Contest will serve as a primary fundraising engine. Unlike traditional pageants, the title will be awarded to the young woman who mobilizes the highest financial support for the construction of the Arts School, turning cultural ambassadorship into tangible infrastructure.National RecognitionThe festival has gained significant political momentum. The House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature has officially voted to attend the festivities. They will join a guest list that includes Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe and various members of the diplomatic corps.”This festival is not only a celebration of legacy—it is a collective investment in Liberia’s cultural future.” — DATI StatementHow to Support the VisionDATI is calling on the Liberian diaspora and local partners to contribute to the Performing Arts Fund.Zelle/Cash App: Joseph Gbaba — (267) 973-1709Checks: Payable to Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (P.O. Box 143, Clifton Heights, PA 19018)