Jones Dopoe

Jones Dopoe (December 1936 – November 2023) was a Liberian musician, folklorist, academic professor, and cultural icon from Nimba County. He made traditional folklore music and was known for the hit tracks "Sweet, Sweet Cassava Leaf", "Mama, I Want to Go to School", and "If You Marry". His music, which was predominantly satirical in nature, addressed social, political, and economic issues affecting Liberia. He was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Liberia Music Awards. In November 2023, Dopoe died of stroke while seeking treatment at a medical facility in Saclepea.

Life and career Jones Dopoe was born in December 1936, in Duanpay Town, Nimba County. His father had multiple wives and his mother was the second one. Dopoe was the second born of five boys ans six girls. Dopoe attended the University of Liberia, where he earned a degree in English. He taught at the African Methodist Episcopal University, University of Liberia, and Cuttington University. Dopoe made traditional folklore music and was known for the hit tracks "Sweet, Sweet Cassava Leaf", "Mama, I Want to Go to School", and "If You Marry".

Personal life and death According to Dopoe's daughter Benetta Dopoe, he had roughly 26 children, including four from a Ghanaian woman.

Selected discography Compilation albums Bilo Lolo (1975) The Sound of Liberia (1977)