Takun J

Jonathan Koffa (born May 14, 1981), better known by his stage name Takun J (often stylized as Takun-J), is a Liberian recording artist, songwriter and activist. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of Hipco, a politically-charged musical genre sung in vernacular Liberian English. The Liberian Gender Ministry designated him as one of its anti-rape ambassadors. Takun J uses music to address socio-political issues in Liberia. He is best known for his singles "Who Make You Cry", "Policeman", "Gbagba Is Corruption" and "A Song for Hawa", as well as for his rap verse on the collaborative single "Pot Not Boiling" (Remix). Takun J released his debut studio album, The Time, in 2007. His second studio album, My Way, was released in December 2012.

Takun J was born in Monrovia, Liberia. He grew up with his mother and three siblings. His father relocated to the United States when he was four years old. He was present during Liberia's first and second civil wars, which lasted from 1989 to 2003. While growing up in the country's capital, he played soccer and partook in dancing and talent show competitions. He became passionate about music and decided to be a musician after graduating from high school. At age 17, he joined a musical group called Magnetic. The group released its first single, "We'll Spay You", in 2005. Takun J's second single, "You Meaning Me", was released a year after the release of his debut single. The success of his first two singles was relative due to the emergence of a brief civil conflict.

Takun J relocated to refugee camps in Ghana and Ivory Coast with his family. He returned to Liberia and released his full-length album titled The Time. The album was released in 2007 and was supported by the single "Policeman". The song, which is somewhat controversial, exposes corruption by officers of the Liberian National Police. The song also includes a plea to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to repress corruption. The release of the song prompted two police arrests and a beating. Takun J was not deterred by the incident; he managed to perform on the day of his release from jail. In an interview with the Liberian Listener, Takun J said he released the song in order to create awareness about police negligence.

Takun J was one of the featured acts on Xpolay's "Pot Not Bolling" (Remix), which was released in August 2012. The song was produced by Yor-EL Francis and received critical acclaim in Liberia. In the aforementioned interview with the Liberian Listener, Takun J said that the song was well received because of its positive messages and vibes.

In December 2012, Jazzo Entertainment released My Way as Takun J's second studio album. It was produced by Stone Gray, AB Swaray, King Brian, and Rawlo. The album features guest appearances from Nasseman, Santos, Soul Smiter, Bentman, Scientific, Marvalous and Ice Princess. The album was recorded at Studio 57 and Red Eyez studios. On the album, Takun J talks about his daily struggles. Takun J said that the music of My Way is relatable.

In February 2013, Takun J released a solemn ode titled "A Song for Hawa". The song, which was produced by PCI-Media Impact, addresses violence against Liberian girls and women. Takun J wrote the song after visiting a home sheltering victimized young girls. The music video for the song premiered at the UN Commission on the Status of Women. He told Mae Azango that the song narrates the story of a girl named Hawa who was raped by her uncle following the death of her mother.

Takun J has cited Tupac Shakur, Bob Marley and Akon as his key musical influences. He is part of the Hip-Co Accountability Network, which strengthens copyright laws and establishes minimum play laws in Liberia. The network includes musical personalities such as Nasseman, JD Donzo, Shining Man, JB of Soul Fresh, Lil Bishop, Dr. C, Santos, Blackest 305, Uncle Shaq, Picardor, and Pochano. Takun J believes he's living a dualistic lifestyle. In one life, he is known for his energetic performances, while in the other, he is a shy and reserve father who loves kids.

Anti-child rape campaign

Takun J became an ambassador for The Liberian Gender Ministry anti-rape campaign, and was responsible for highlighting rape issues in the country. In order to galvanize communities to take action against violence towards children, UNICEF and PCI-Media Impact organized a six series concert. The series was part of an expansive campaign to halt the abuse and exploitation of children in Liberia. On June 14, 2014, Takun J headlined the first concert held in the capital of Grand Bassa County. The concert featured performances from Peaches, Robbie Nas and Liberian comedian Kpakala Kpokolo, as well as a moving video highlighting the issue of child rape.

Anti-corruption campaign

On May 19, 2014, Takun J released a politically conscious song titled "Gbagba Is Corruption", which is based on the children's book Gbagba (2013). The book was written by Robtel Neajai Pailey, a doctoral student at SOAS, University of London. Pailey was inspired to write the book in order to give children the verbal tools to question the ethical and moral values of adults around them. The book received critical acclaim and has been adopted as an anti-corruption children's primer by the Liberian Ministry of Education.

Takun J performs at the annual two-day Hipco festival in Monrovia. On July 27, 2012, he performed with Nasseman, David Mell, Nozi and Mr. Smith at the Lone Star Cell musical concert. He performed at the second annual Liberia Music Festival, which was held at Slipway Sports Pitch on December 7, 2013. On March 15, 2014, Takun J performed at the Holiday Beach Jam in Congo Town alongside J. Martins, R2Bees, Scientific, Cypha D’King, Sweetz and F.A. He works with UNICEF as an ambassador of music. In March 2014, The Daily Observer reported that Takun J signed a two-year endorsement deal with Lonestar Cell MTN. As part of the deal, he is expected to appear and perform on Lonestar Cell MTN programs.

On June 17, 2013, Takun J had an encounter with Edwin Snowe after narrowly escaping a head-on collision with Snowe's vehicle. The incident between the two individuals occurred at the United Nations Drive toward the Mamba Point diplomatic community. Takun J said that Snowe pulled him out of his car and punched him several times. Snowe confirmed the occurrence of the incident and admitted to punching Takun J. After the incident had died down, Takun J wrote a formal complaint to the House of Representatives of Liberia about the punches he received from Snowe.

Studio albums

• The Time (2007)
• My Way (2012)

Singles