19/09/2025
Who is 10:30?
10:30 is the stage name of Philip Karr, a rising star in Liberia’s music industry.
He seems to be making waves recently with tracks that are getting noticed in media outlets and among young music fans.
What 10:30 Sounds Like
His music appears in the Afro / Liberia popular music space, likely mixing local Liberian styles with Afrobeat, contemporary rhythms, and possibly Pidgin or Liberian English as medium. While detailed genre classification is still developing, things like strong beat, melodic hooks, and collaboration suggest he is working in the mainstream‑popular style that appeals both locally and regionally.
A recent release, “Hungry Man” ft. Ancient Y (produced by Yab Rok), is evidence that he is collaborating with other up‑and‑coming Liberian artists and producers, which helps to expand his sound and reach.
Where He’s at & Why He Matters
10:30 is not just another new voice; he represents a wave of Liberian artists who are forging solid local presence while aiming for wider recognition. In a music landscape that increasingly values streaming, cross‑collabs, and digital reach, artists like 10:30 are crucial.
His collaborations (e.g. with Ancient Y) show an understanding that alliances help build profile. Also, featuring his songs on platforms like OriginalHitz (widely followed in Liberia) is amplifying his reach.
Given how Liberia’s music scene is growing, with more attention domestically and from the African diaspora, artists like 10:30 can bridge local authenticity with broader market potential.
Challenges & Potential Growth
Visibility & Branding: As with many emerging artists, getting information about background, influences, and consistent public narrative helps build fan loyalty. For 10:30, more interviews, features, or stories would help deepen his connection with audiences.
Production & Innovation: Working with strong producers, refining production quality, experimenting with local sounds or unique fusions could set 10:30 apart. Music that draws from Liberian rhythmic traditions (Gbema, etc.) while blending Afrobeat or global sounds has a strong appeal.
Infrastructure & Support: Access to good distribution (digital & physical), radio play, streaming playlists, video content, marketing — all of these factors are critical. Young Liberian artists often face resource constraints, so strategic partnerships (labels, sponsors) might give him an edge.
Bigger Picture: 10:30 & the Liberian Music Scene
Liberia has seen in recent years a resurgence in local music, with genres such as Hipco, Trapco, Afrobeat / Afropop, and Gbema being popular. Artists are more frequently tapping into both tradition and modernity. 10:30 is part of this wave.
There is also a growing appetite among Liberians (at home and abroad) for music that speaks authentically, in dialects or with local references, but with production values and styles that allow those songs to travel across Africa and beyond.
The digital era (streaming, social media, YouTube, etc.) gives artists like 10:30 tools to bypass some traditional gatekeepers, but also raises competition. Standing out requires not only talent, but consistency, quality, storytelling, and smart strategy.
Conclusion
10:30 is one of Liberia’s exciting new voices, someone to watch. His recent work shows promise, both in musicality and in connections with audiences. If he continues building, refining his artistry, and leveraging collaborations and platforms, he has potential to become a major figure in Liberian music — perhaps even beyond Liberia.
If you want, I can try to dig up more about his life—where he grew up, what his influences are, upcoming projects, etc.
Thanks 🙏🏾
