Spring Fling Writing Contest Entry

Author’s Notes: The following story is based upon my experiences living in Kwabena, Ghana while working for a non-profit program (8 week program) supplying AIDS education to middle and high school students and their surrounding villages. On the day of the blackout, with zero ambient light coming from nearby cities or towns, the darkness was unbelievable. I looked up and it was genuinely like I had never seen the night before. I could see the entire milky way galaxy brimming with stars and swirls and colors I had never known existed. As I watched the sky, I noticed a woman walking up to the village pavilion in the darkness. When she reached the center of the pavilion she began to sing. Soon more had joined her, until it seemed as if the entire village was singing in 500-part harmony. I did not know the song, but it did not matter. I had seen God. Please understand: I know it was incredibly presumptuous of me, with a bit of white savior thrown in for good measure, that I thought I could write or publish this story, no matter how honorable my intentions were. The real story, is that I am a white girl who was incredibly moved by the people and experiences I was lucky enough to be a part of and love. I wrote what I felt but it is not my story to tell . I am sharing it here simply because it's a part of my heart, not because I think it deserves any special acclaim. The people who inspired this story can be helped by providing either your volunteer or monetary support here: https://thesankofacenter.org/ NIGHT-MAGIC Written by and Illustration above by Laura Kelmelis Tonight, is the blackout, and twins, Kwame and Ama, can’t wait! Villages in Ghana take turns turning off all electricity to ensure everyone in the country has enough. Tonight, is their turn. Barely able to stand still, the twins share their thoughts without saying a word. Tonight, their grandmother, Nanabaa, will welcome the Night-Magic! - But now, it is time for work. And they must wait… Waiting is hard when you know something exciting will happen! Nanabaa and the twins walk to the well to collect water for the day. Kwame runs too fast and Ama calls after him. Nanabaa gives him a disapproving look. Ignoring Kwame’s glare, Ama smiles triumphantly, reminding him she is older by two entire minutes and should pay attention when she calls. Rolling his eyes, Kwame races ahead, forgetting the water he carries. It sloshes from his bucket, droplets dancing behind him, Kwame laughs, “The water is so excited it’s throwing a parade!” Suddenly, Ama is certain her brother is a genius. - But now, it is time for work. - and her perfect plan, must wait… One, two, three, buckets tumble into the bin to last the day. Four, five, six, dishes dunk, scrubbed clean of gunk and grime. Seven, eight, nine, clothing washed and hung on the line. Ten, bubbles boiling in the cauldron filled with stew. Chores done, bellies filled, - still, they must wait… Ama shares her incredible idea with Kwame. If it works, tonight’s blackout would be more magical than ever! Together, they plan a surprise for Nanabaa. Calling for their friends to join them, they huddle close to speak in secret. Ama gives each of them an important job to do. “Get everyone, and whatever instruments you can carry!” Nanabaa’s footfalls carry across cracked clay, Her heart lurched – if Nanabaa discovers what they are doing, it would spoil her surprise! Ama’s eyes beg Kwame to distract her. A silent thank you on her lips, she watches him drift out of sight. Ama gets to work, The bright, African sun fades behind the haze of heat. Soon, the waiting would be over… One by one Ama’s friends return to help, bringing villagers eager to join in the surprise for Nanabaa, Fountain of Wisdom, Keeper of Songs. Tingling with excitement, Ama searches the growing darkness. As if in answer, Nanabaa and Kwame appear on the horizon. Ama runs to help her brother, both grinning wide with success. The wait is over! “Akwaaba!!” the crowd cheers, welcoming them home. The twins giggle at the surprise on Nanabaa’s face, urging her to lead the parade. The timekeeper strikes the Gankogui bell, The Boba drums call, The Sogo drum beats, Goats, chickens, cows, and donkeys’ clop in time, Excitement ripples through the crowd as Nanabaa claps with glee. With love and laughter in her ancient eyes, Nanabaa asks the twins to stand with her. This time they get to help! Ama and Kwame know Nanabaa’s motions by heart. Lifting their arms to the heavens, the village watches in hushed anticipation. Nanabaa’s voice breaks the silence, ringing clearly in the warm night air. A low and rich tone fills the darkness, Ama and Kwame sing back in perfect harmony, Nanuma wyee ay, nanuma? “As we journey through this life, have we done enough to get into heaven?” One by one, the people of the village join in Nanabaa’s song, Tears of joy fill her eyes as 500 voices merge into one, The night-sky begins to dance, swirling spirals of light connecting dark inky blues. Nanuma? “You have done enough!” the universe calls in return. Tonight, is the blackout. There are no electric lights to stop the universe from speaking, There is no hum of generators to drown out the sounds of life. “Akwaaba!” they cry, to welcome the Night-Magic as it fills the sky. ++++++++++++++++++ Background Information Say What? Did you know Ghana’s official language is English? English was brought to Ghana during Colonial times. It is used primarily for official government business because there are over 250 different national and regional languages spoken throughout the country! The most common regional language is Akan. What’s in a Name? Ghanaian names are rich with meaning. They are usually based on the day a child is born, whether they are male or female, and in what order they were born in their family. Another name is added to identify children as twins, and can show which is younger, and which is older. Religious and family names are added depending upon individual family traditions. Names can also mark noteworthy events, such as the loss of a child prior to the birth, or to tell an unusual birth story. Like in this story, full names are shortened, similar to a nickname in western culture, to make communication easier. Kwame /male (Kwah-may) – Ama /female (Ay-mah) - Day Names (Born on a Saturday) – It is important to note that the twin’s full names would include Atà (male)/Ataà (female) and Pànyin/elder, and Kùmaa/younger or Kwame Atà Kùmaa and Ama Ataà Pànyin respectively. Nanabaa – (Naa-naa-baah) – Grandmother Akwaaba – (Ah-Kwah-buh) – Welcome. A symbol of Ghanaian hospitality. Ga-who? – Gahu (Ga-hoo) is the traditional style of music popular in Ghana. A traditional group would include six different instruments including the Gankogui (Gahn-Kohg-way) which is similar to a cow bell, and the Boba (Boh-Bah) and Sogo (Soh-Goh) Drums similar to a Djembe and conga drum . The song Nanabaa sings to welcome the Night-Magic, Nanuma (Nah-noo-mah) is part of a traditional song of greeting. The translation is believed to be “As we journey through this life, have we done enough to get into heaven?” Can You Tell? – When you’re a twin, two entire minutes can make or break your big-kid status. In western culture, the first to be born is the oldest. However, in Ghanaian tradition, the eldest is born last, having sent their sibling out into the world first to check it out for them. You’ve Got Power – Electrical power in Ghana is generated by hydropower. Hydropower, or Hydroelectricity, is when flowing water is converted into electricity. In Ghana, hydroelectricity is generated by the Volta River as it rushes through the Akosombo dam. The Volta River is not generating enough electricity to cover the growing number of people in Ghana’s major cities. To find ways to improve their electrical shortages, Ghana built two new dams, and has turned to alternate fuel sources, such as oil and gas, and to other neighboring countries. Despite these improvements, Ghana is still in an energy crisis. To meet the growing demand for electricity, electrical companies periodically turn off services within a region. This is called a rolling blackout, or “dumsor” in the native language, which means “off and on”. In 2019, this practice has increased over wider regions, and for a longer duration. Ghanaian’s call this “dumsaa”, meaning off for a considerably long time, or off all the time. Source Material: What is in a Name? Ghanaian Personal Names as Informational Sources, by Olive Akepbu Adjah, Institute of African Studies Library, University of Ghana, Legon, 11/20/2015 A Review of the Trends in Ghana’s Power Sector, by Maame Esi Eshun and Joe Amoako-Tuffour, Energy, Sustainability and Society 6, Article Number: 9 (2016) Retrieved online 09/23/2019 at https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13705-016-0075-y The Electricity Situation in Ghana: Challenges and Opportunities, by Ebenezer Nyarko Kumi, Center for Global Development, CGD Policy Paper 109, September 2017 The Return of DUMSOR, The Bizarre Situation of Wiamose, by Joshua Dedee, Modern Ghana Magazine, Retrieved online 09/23/2019 at https://www.modernghana.com/news/916922/the-return-of-dumsor-the-bizarre-situation-of.html The Embassy of Ghana, the Hague, Official Website, “What is the official language of Ghana” Retrieved online 09/27/2019 at https://www.ghanaembassy.nl/faq/ This World Music Great Grooves #1: Gahu, Official Website, “Interactive multitrack African drumming mixer” Retrieved online 10/22/2019 at https://thisworldmusic.com/gahu-african-drumming-and-dance-from-ghana/ Mama Lisa’s World, Children’s Songs & Rhymes From Ghana, “Nanuma, Traditional Song (Unidentified Language) Retrieved online 10/22/2019 at https://www.mamalisa.com A special thanks to Thursday borns, Yaw of LearnAkan.com and Nana Yaa of African Names/GHANA (Learn Twi), The Sankofa Center of African Dance and Culture ( www.sankofa.org ) for giving me the opportunity to experience the Night-Magic, and my amazing critique groups, without which, this story would not shine.

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