by James Coco Chea
My journey with Jerry “J-Funk” Mwagbe began in the 1980s. I remember watching him as a guest lead guitarist for the Electricutors; to say I was mesmerized would be an understatement. Watching him command the strings didn’t just entertain me—it ignited my lifelong passion for music.
Whether he was performing with the Cuttington Music Society alongside Eric Freeman, Franklin Holt, and Jones, or bringing his talent to Buchanan, Jerry moved with a rhythmic grace that defined an era of Liberian music.
Beyond the stage, Jerry’s brilliance extended to the classroom and the study. He was a multifaceted musician—mastering the bass, keyboards, poetry, and lyrics—but perhaps his greatest instrument was his mind. As an educator, he had a profound impact on my life. During my final year of college, he served as a steady hand, guiding me through the complexities of my thesis. He was a seasoned communicator who believed deeply in the power of shared knowledge.
Jerry was, above all, a builder of communities. Even during the darkest days of the Liberian Civil War, his dedication to the arts never wavered. We stood together as co-founders of the ACAGEM Crew, alongside Ajubar Dunbar, Molley Flomo, and the late Mounir “Blake Atomic” Dean. Later, in 2008, that same collaborative spirit led us to co-found the Harmonizers Entertainment Group with Ben Knuckles, Oscar Todd, and my wife, Lovetta Johnson Chea.
Jerry “J-Funk” Mwagbe was more than a professional musician; he was a mentor and a friend who touched countless lives. His passion for teaching and his mastery of melody have left an indelible mark on the fabric of our culture. He will be deeply missed, but his rhythm lives on in every life he touched.