Jon Bricks
File:Jon Bricks.jpg
Background information
BornMonrovia, Liberia
OriginLiberia
GenresHipco, Afropop, Hip hop
Occupation(s)Musician, Songwriter, Diplomat, Entrepreneur, Cultural Innovator
InstrumentVocals
Years active2006–present

Jon Bricks is a Liberian musician, songwriter, entrepreneur, cultural innovator and diplomat based in Beijing, China.[1] As a prominent figure of Hipco, he has been an important figure in shaping Liberia’s contemporary music scene. In 2018, he was appointed as Liberia’s music ambassador and cultural attaché at the Embassy of Liberia in Beijing. [2]

Early life

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Jon Bricks was born in Monrovia, Liberia. Fond of music from a very early age, he became a pioneering figure in the emerging Hipco movement during the early 2000s.

Career

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Pioneer role in Hipco and breakthrough (2006–2009)

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Bricks rose to prominence in 2006 with the single Just Be There, performed with his group New Dynesty and featured on the Tom Holder Hipco Volume 2 album. Later, he collaborated on the single Turn Me On, further strenghtening his place in the Liberian music industry.[3]

Continued success (2010–2014)

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In 2010, Bricks released Keep Moving, accompanied by a high-quality music video that received attention for its professional production. The following year, he released Da Woo, a song that contributed to popularizing Afropop-infused rap in Liberia.[4]

In 2012, Bricks collaborated with Ghanaian artist Stay Jay and Busta Pain on Wango (Give Me That), produced by Infectious Michael.

In 2013, he followed with the song Off and On, featuring Pity D’Best and Killa Lu, which quickly became popular across Liberian clubs, radio stations, and community events. In 2014, Bricks released the Asian remix of Off and On, featuring Chinese singer Zheng Zheng. Following the success of the Asian remix of Off and On, Bricks became the first African Liberian to tour with Tshintao Beer Festival in China.[5]

Performances and tours (2015–2017)

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In 2015, Bricks returned to Liberia for a series of welcome-back concerts after several years in China. The following year, he staged The Diva Dream Alive Concert, bringing Zheng Zheng to Liberia for a three-day event that concluded with a beach concert attended by about 20,000 people.[6] During the event, Bricks launched the Zama Plus Foundation International, a charitable organization providing support for underprivileged communities through food assistance and educational initiatives.[7]

In 2016, Bricks embarked on a European tour to meet with producers and music executives.[8] While in Italy, he filmed the music video for Conquerer, directed by Catia Tremacre in Milan.

Diplomatic role (2018–present)

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In July 2018, President George Weah appointed Bricks as Liberia’s music ambassador and cultural attaché at the Liberian Embassy in Beijing, China. In this role, he represents Liberia’s cultural and musical heritage, promotes cultural exchange between Liberia and China, and advocates for Liberian artists on the global stage.[9][10]

Philanthropy

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Through the Zama Plus Foundation International and Amb. Jon Bricks Foundation International, Bricks supports disadvantaged communities in Liberia, focusing on food aid, education, and youth empowerment.

Awards and nominations

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Bricks has received nominations for several awards, including the Liberian Entertainment Award (LEA) and Liberian Music Award (LMA)[11] .

References

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  1. ^ https://allafrica.com/stories/201902150673.html
  2. ^ "Cultural Attache' to Strengthen Global Heritage Cooperation …To Boost Liberia's Tourism Sector – the News Newspaper Liberia". 23 May 2025.
  3. ^ "ARTIST OF THE WEEK Jon Bricks - EdEnthub". 8 August 2018.
  4. ^ "Jon Bricks ft: Alonzo - "A Woo"". YouTube. 6 November 2011.
  5. ^ "Liberia's Best Ever: Jon Bricks Sounding off His Catch Phrase "Zama"". 6 May 2014.
  6. ^ "Liberia: A Look at Jon Bricks' 'Diva Dream Alive' Concert".
  7. ^ https://allafrica.com/stories/201601141313.html
  8. ^ "Liberia: Celebrating Jon Bricks' 10 Years in the Music Industry".
  9. ^ "Liberian Local Dishes Take Center Stage at China's International Cultural Festival". 21 May 2025.
  10. ^ "Cultural Attache' to Strengthen Global Heritage Cooperation …To Boost Liberia's Tourism Sector – the News Newspaper Liberia". 23 May 2025.
  11. ^ https://mtn.liberiamusicawards.com/