"Liberian Girl" is a popular song by Michael Jackson

"Liberian Girl" is a popular song by Michael Jackson, which was released in 1989 as the ninth single from his 1987 album "Bad." The lyrics speak of a romantic attraction to a girl from Liberia, which is a country on the west coast of Africa, known for its English-speaking population. The controversy surrounding Donald Trump's comment to Liberian President Boakai is a separate incident that highlights a lack of knowledge or stereotyping by the American President regarding Africa's diverse linguistic landscape.

The song itself is notable for its catchy tune and the inclusion of Swahili, which is not a language commonly spoken in Liberia but rather in East Africa. The use of Swahili in the opening lines was likely to add an exotic touch to the song and was not meant to be an accurate representation of Liberian language or culture. Liberia's official language is English, which is widely spoken due to its historical ties with the United States, as it was founded by freed American and Caribbean enslaved people who returned to Africa in the 19th century.

The music video for "Liberian Girl" features many celebrities of the time, including Quincy Jones, Steve Wonder, and even Michael's brothers, the Jackson 5, as well as a young Naomi Campbell, who is also of African descent. The video was directed by Michael Jackson and showcases various scenes of African wildlife and people, with the celebrities lip-syncing the lyrics in a tribute to the continent.

The interaction between President Boakai and Donald Trump was a diplomatic encounter, and President Trump's question about the English language skill was likely an attempt at a light-hearted comment, but it did not consider the complexity of Liberia's history and cultural identity. The English language is not only spoken in Liberia but is also widely used in various official and educational settings, as well as in the media and government.

In summary, while Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl" brought some attention to the country through music, the real-life encounter between the Liberian President and Donald Trump showcased a different kind of global spotlight, one that touched on themes of perception, language, and identity.