Arran Jones

28-year-old Arran Jones, sharing a story with Xcellence Magazine about his family history and continuing to further his family's noble legacy.

I'd like to start my story with my great-great-grandfather, Ruler of the Vai people, ‘King Momulu Massaquoi’, Africa's first indigenous diplomat and the Liberian king of the Gallinas kingdom prior to its dissolution by the British. Born in 1869 to a warrior queen and king, Momulu Massaquoi not only started my bloodline but also a long line of Massaquois that are spread throughout the world.

During Momulu Massaquoi's younger years, he was taught Muslim values and sent away on numerous occasions to study at Muslim institutions, with Muslim values as key to his development. Later, in his younger teens, he became familiar with a Christian mission and would later get baptised to confirm his Christian faith. During the late 1800s, he went on to study abroad in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. During this period, it was very uncommon to be greeted with open arms. I've always found this part of his story quite fascinating due to the political climate and racial tension of the area where he was attending university. It must have been terrifying regardless of his royal status. After a while away at school, his mother passed away. He valued his studies, but he vowed to return to his people as the rightful king. In turn, he returned to Liberia to be crowned with a crown given to the Massaquois by Queen Victoria of England and continue his family's royal legacy. Not too long after he was crowned, there was massive concern from the political side of British colonists that he could prove detrimental to their plan of spreading colonial values. This ended up with Momolu Massaquoi's dethronement due to his radical changes upsetting the general public and also due to colonial pressure.

Ruler of the Vai people, ‘King Momulu Massaquoi

He had many concubines and offspring throughout his life and political dealings abroad. After Momulu's dethronement, he went on to become the first indigenous African Diplomat as Consul To Germany from 1922-1930 and served as a key figure in diplomatic relations between Europe and the people of Liberia/Sierra Leone. He also went on to represent his country at the United Nations. Later in his life, he would produce many notable descendants, including jazz musicians, authors, political activists, dreamers, and doers. In 1922, he had a son who is also my great-grandfather, ‘Murana Massaquoi’ King Momulu died in 1938. Murana was the son of the great King Momulu Massaquoi and, by birth, had royal blood and responsibilities. Murana chose a less political lifestyle and declined the offer to travel abroad to become a doctor, as his father had wished. Murana eventually became a chef and traveled the high seas in search of a simpler life.

The story of free will, the appreciation of different cultures, and embracing the potential danger during that time period show to me that my family are all pioneers of human rights and leave their legacy wherever they venture.

When he docked in Cardiff it didn’t take long for him to meet my great grandmother and they went on to produce my grandmother Lynette Marie Massaquoi. Murana was a very religious and very old school type of man. He firmly decried the heavy influence of western culture on his daughter and always wanted to take her back to Sierra Leone /Liberia to get her more accustomed with her bloodline. During this time it was great political unrest in his home country which sealed the fate of any possibility of travelling there for her as the country was in a political tailspin which would eventually turn into civil war, this turbulence in Muranas home country, made it not safe for her to travel due to his fear of being segregated from his daughter and a polar opposite of culture that could have proven consequential for her safety.

Murana lived the simple life he had always wanted and began a legacy in Wales, which I intend to continue. My grandmother, Lynette, lived a semi-normal life, albeit during an era of Welsh history marked by racism. Despite encountering racism, my grandmother had people who protected her and made her feel like she belonged. Later in life, she gave birth to my mother, Kerrie, who, in turn, gave birth to me. Personally, I also faced a lot of racism growing up in the same area, and my mother experienced similar problems. However, we take pride in our African family history and the legacy we all strive to uphold. Over the years, I have delved deeper into the Massaquoi family tree and established numerous connections with cousins and distant relatives from all over the world. I even assisted them in developing the logo for the Massaquoi Heritage Museum they plan on opening. The Massaquois are still active, and I feel that my role, although small, serves as a bridge between Wales and Sierra Leone/Liberia.

The story of free will, the appreciation of different cultures, and embracing the potential danger during that time period show to me that my family are all pioneers of human rights and leave their legacy wherever they venture. I, too, have traveled to other nations for university studies in neurobiology and have developed a bright future in my jazz career. I feel that learning about how my ancestors fought for their right to a free, well-educated, and happy life is propelling me forward. If they could do it during the time period they lived in, despite the backlash they endured, then so can I, in the face of whatever challenges still remain to this day. Being able to share this story with people around Wales to showcase that we all come from different walks of life, and each story should have its time to shine, inspiring new generations and emphasizing the importance of African culture. Personally, I vow to continue sharing this piece of history. Whether it be through music or my studies, I plan on sharing this story with those who need it.

Arran Jones is a singer-songwriter and welcomes bookings for live performances for any occasion.