Introducing Delasi....

Ghana breeds creativity...Whether it is with Sarkodie and his azonto banging tunes or Deborah Ahenkorah's Golden Boabab concept, it is fair to say we (as a proud Ghanaian) are indeed creatively inclined.

Delasi adds to this creative bubble. I came across Delasi via the powerful social media tool know as twitter. Another creative Ghanaian, I had to know more. He is a passionate musician who resides in Accra Ghana. Not only does he sing, he also acts and draws!

Originally from the Volta Region in Ghana, Delasi grew up in Accra. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana majoring in Playwriting. Delasi grew up listening to Soul, RnB, Reggae. His parents introduced him to the likes of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Jim Reeves. Surprisingly he was not really exposed to Ghanaian music however he did mention Osibisa, A Ghanaian afro pop band founded in London in the 1970s.

I dug deeper to find out more...

How did you become interested in music?

When I was young, I used to write and sing songs in school. One of my earliest songs was dedicated to my love of fried fish. It was a hit with my classmates. It when then I realised I like to make people feel happy. Fast forward ten years I met Reggie Rockstone, I saw him on a bicycle and didn't pay too much attention to him. Little did I know I would later collaborate with him on a song.

Your song 'Where do we go' is very political...who was this aimed for?

I wrote it at a time of frustration. I questioned why things were so bad. People who are in power, people who can actually make changes don't. I didn't understand. The song was quite popular. It is No 7 out of the top 60 African songs of 2013.

You illustrate too...what else do you do apart from music?

Music is number one however I do like to draw. Once in a while i'll draw a portrait of someone. I've also written a children's book about chickens as well a short play.

I also recently ran a project called Unheard Voices. A Danish NGO and myself worked together to change the general perception of developing countries amongst Danish People. It focused on developing Ghanaian youth through musical skills. I worked with Children from some of the less privileged areas of Accra.

I also took part in a hip hop workshop at the Chalewote festival.

What inspires you to write?

Happiness, Anger, Disappointment, Frustrations, Human Relationships, Every day things....

Do you do this full time?

Yes but previously I did a few research roles, conducting research for organisations such as an American NGO and a Dutch company.

What's next?

More work with children, some gigs....I want some of the children i have been working with in the workshops to blow up.

I'm also hoping to release my album this year.

So that is it! I ended the conversation knowing more about Delasi and I’m looking forward to seeing his next steps. Have a listen to some of his music right here! Let's keep supporting each other Ghanaians!

Teeth & Love...

This is my most personal post so far. One about me and my feelings. Here goes…. 

My wisdom tooth was taken out yesterday. Ouch. Yes extreme pain, anxiety, nauseousness and nervousness. I’ve never really had to go to hospital, so when I found out I had to have my tooth out under general anaesthetic I panicked slightly. I changed my appointment about 3 times and managed to convince myself that I didn't really need to have the tooth growing into my cheek removed.

I suffered. I struggled to eat, constantly slicing the left side of my cheek as I ate. It was getting close to Christmas too and this would most definitely ruin my Christmas dinner(s).

It was that time of year where good cheer fills the atmosphere (see what I did there?). So rather than only having that one big dinner on the 25th December (spilling over to the 26th, 27th), you also find yourself meeting up with many friends, meeting for long over due Christmas dinners and catch ups. Basically a lot of eating is involved.

In a panic, I rang my dental surgery to see if I could get my late January appointment moved to something sooner. They unsurprisingly told me there was nothing earlier. All I could do was wait.

The day eventually came and yesterday was D Day for me. I told my dad about the appointment a while ago and he was to accompany me. 

Last week I had a heated conversation with him in the car:

Dad: So you are having your tooth removed under General Anaesthetic?
Me: Yes Dad
Dad: Why not local?
Me: Because General is better for something that intense!
Dad: So many things complications can happen with general. I would always choose local
Me: Dad why didn't you tell me before? Now i’m scared….

I was scared. I mean having an injection that would make you sleep and forget? I remember a few years ago when my ex boyfriend damaged his knee badly whilst playing football. He had to have surgery and was put under general anaesthetic. I will never forget how he described the feeling to me.

“It’s as if you are sleeping, but not. Nothing is going through your mind. It’s a large black void in your mind….you wake up and it was as if nothing ever happened. It’s like you have died and then suddenly have come back”

Those words have always stayed with me. It was after all a freaky description.

Both my parents came with me yesterday and their support was immense. 
I arrived at the clinic, filling in all the forms and was then taken to the doctor. He explained the procedure to me and introduced me to the anaesthetist who prepared the anaesthetic. He asked me a few questions and I'm sure was aware of the tears forming in my eyes. He injected my hand, I felt dizzy..the next thing I know I was asleep. 

I woke up to sounds of my name, a view of my mum and a feeling of numbness and disorientation. 

I lay in the ‘recovery room’ and listened to the sobbing sounds of the young girl next to my cubicle. From what I gathered, it took her a while to wake up and she was totally unaware of where she was and what had happened. Her mum constantly comforted her. It was sweet but irritating at the same time. Her sobs were loud.

My mum eventually did come in and I remember tears falling on to my cheeks. I was so thankful I was alive because for some strange reason I thought something would happen to me.

My dad’s reaction to me being under general anaesthetic, my sister the night before had told me to look out for the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, and numerous people had posed the ‘what if questions’ to me.

I took these all to be signs. I was happy to wake up. Life really is a beautiful gift.

A few days ago Komla Dumor a prestigious Ghanaian journalist passed away suddenly. He was only 41, had a great and inspiring career and was portrayed as a lovely, genuine and humble guy. 
I mean how could that happen to him? Why? Life really isn't fair.

My parents were there to escort me home. In the car, although still under the influence of the General Anasthetic, I was aware that my dad constantly checked my pulse and held my hand throughout the journey home. 

At home, my sister greeted me with a ‘Mate did you see heaven?’ She also came to hug and kiss me and although I was knocked out I was able to smack her off me #nonsense. 
Mum got me some Nkrakra (Ghanaian light soup) and because the instructions I had said I could only consume cold liquids, she cooled it down for me. My youngest sister bought me some Wotsits on her way home from school (Crisps that are easy to eat).

I felt well and truly LOVED. 

Thats the importance of having a loving family. I feel blessed to be in the family I am in and will strive to achieve the same for the family I will bring into this world.

I have a few questions for those who are married…

What does it feel like? Honestly? How did you know they were the right one? Did you click straight away or did it take you a while? Does he/she love everything about you? Does he/she ignore the things they don’t like about you? Does he/she tell you when you do something wrong? 

Does he/she fart in front of you? That’s pretty embarrassing. What happens if you need to do it? Won’t they find you disgusting? 

What about if you need to poo? My gosh? 

What about seeing you without the make up or in your home clothes???? 

Are you comfortable sleeping in the double/king/queen sized bed? Especially if you are comfortably used to your single bed? Flipping the pillow and making sure the blankets fit YOU. With another body there isn't that uncomfortable?

How do you deal with other people? Because other people always have their stupid opinions. Are you both rocks? Nothing shakes you?

What about independence? If you are used to doing things your way? To suddenly include another person into the mix is daunting? Or does it just work out and flow?

You’ve spend your time looking at all the niceties of the relationships. How do you let the ugly parts slide?

Take me for example. I have a few strange habits. My nose/throat constantly give me grief (sinus issues) - I make noises especially during my sleep :-(. I have an obsessions with ‘clean eyes’ - No eye boogies allowed, from time to time I unfortunately suffer from cold-sores and my personality although pleasant can at times push people away.  I’m really particular about the way a man eats too. If he eats slobbery then it will put me right off! 
Will anyone want to put up with that? Especially when there are many others out there who are not as complex?

Does that one person out there really exist? Or is it a 10 minute infactuation propelled by the inability to be alone?

Are kids a blessing or an annoying pull back and distraction on your life?

How will it fit together and work?

Despite my questions, I patiently await the next chapter in my life. The idea of sharing my life with a new loving family excites me. To have him by my side, through thick and thin, to support and encourage me, to help me become the best that I can be. Likewise with him, to submit (and yes I will), to help him lead our family, to encourage him to be the man God intended him. 
I fear bringing up children in this cruel world. I constantly question who and what they will be influenced by. I worry about my future son, because I know that when he grows into a man, I can’t mummy him. He will have to find his own way. After all thats what part of being a man is. His father needs to be there to direct him, just as I will direct my future daughter (and son too).

Family may be annoying at times but honestly where are you without the people that love you the most? After all recovering from a dose of General Anaesthetic requires serious family support! 

Be Box's Be Woman event

By now i'm sure you have guessed I go to quite a few events! This is a blog I was supposed to write in October :-(...here it is now! 

Getting started...

On the 26th October 2013 I went to Be Box's Be Woman event held at the Grange Holborn Hotel.

I decided to go to this event because Heather Lindsey was the main speaker. For those of you that do not know her, she is an extremely blessed woman of God. I came across her blog and podcasts last year and I am honestly grateful for her life.

She is young woman who is married to a pastor. They both have a beautiful ministry together which focuses on developing relationships with God and also relationships in general.

She takes her walk with God seriously and I admire her a lot.

When I heard she was coming to London, I just had to be there. 

Be Box are an organisation that creates special boxes filled with skin care, health care and make up items for women of colour. The Be Woman event they organised consisted of gathering inspirational females to talk to a group of woman. Quite like a sisterhood event.

The atmosphere was warm and friendly. They even gave us cupcakes which were yummy.

Jenny Jenkins who many will know as the make up beauty queen was the first to speak. She is a pretty in person as she is in the videos. Definitely a very beautiful girl. I was surprised to see how nervous she was! It's funny because she talks with a lot of confidence on her videos but she herself admitted she was nervous! Her tips to the crowd were:

• Accept your flaws, then no one can use them against you!
• Remember everyone has a different path in life to follow.
• Do not waste the gift that God has given you.

After Jenny, there was a small competition for the audience. An envelope had been hidden under one of the chairs in the room. Guess whose chair it was under? Yep, yours truly :-). I won a be box full of goodies ranging from shampoo to lotions and my nails done by Shea'd Beauty. Shea'd beauty were also there during the night doing nails for the guests!

Shea'd Beauty

Chanel Boateng was up next. She did a live make up tutorial in a short space of time in quite a high pressured environment. She did well.

Ms Boateng does her thing!

Lara Peters put on a beautiful fashion show for us next and I must admit she is a talented young lady. She mixes afro print with european fashion. I found her story interesting. She was a designer that stopped designing for a while. She realised that designing was her God given gift. An interesting thing she mentioned was that after listening to Heather she felt she should pick up designing again that is what she did! Check her out:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaraPetersUK

Arhinarmah was next up. This brand describes itself as 'A luxury lifestyle brand with an African accent'. They specialise in furniture and home decor. 

Catherine Arhin was a joy to watch and definitely worked the crowd. She started her brand in her room one day and now her products have appeared in the likes of Vogue, Elle UK and Pride magazine. She azontoed after naming her accomplishments which was funny. She also encouraged the crowd by saying...'Create the greatest, highest vision of yourself'. 

Heather selling her books and jewellery #proverbs31

The highlight of the evening was the final piece to Be Box's event. Mrs Heather Lindsey...The fire this woman has for God is out of this world. As this event was mostly aimed at ladies she made sure her message was relevant. She spoke about being consistent with God. She spoke about the importance of prayer and spending time with God. What made me laugh was her popular phrase 'sister girl', which instantly brought her to the level of the people within the room.

'Marriage', she said should bring you closer to God as should love and ladies one thing that I will remember is her reference to Proverbs 18 v 22 'He who finds a wife has found a good thing...'. Meaning ladies we don't need to look. HE will find us...

It's something I battle with. I question my age and wonder when it is I will find that person who will wed me. At times I think, i'm not ready for marriage yet no but there are other times I see the world finding their 'Adams' and wish it were me. I thought I would marry young. I would look at twenty somethings when I was in my teens thinking that would never be me.  #honestquote. 

However, It is from Heather I realised that the most important things are to:

• Make God the centre
• Cut of any random waste of timers
• Focus on becoming the best me...

God help me with all of the above!

The event was a success and it was a pleasure to see inspirational young women share tips from beauty, to business to Christ.

I definitely left questioning myself.

XOXO

They Call it Africa...We call it Home

They call it Africa, we call it home was an advert I saw whilst I was in Dar Es Salaam.

It's a clever sentence and for me it fits nicely with the title of my blog don't you think?

Whisk me Back to the Motherland....

Unfortunately for me, the only country I have been to in Africa is Ghana, which is where I am originally from. I do have plans to visit more countries in the continent however. My friend Huda and I decided in our early twenties that we would do an Africa trip. From Kigali, to Mogadishu, Accra to Gabarone. It has to be done...the continent is massive!

Anyways, I had the pleasure of visiting Tanzania with my sister for our dear friends wedding.. I want to share my journey with you...It was too amazing not to document! 

Happy Reading!

                                                   Day One - Arrival

My sister and I left our loveable but worrisome father at Heathrow Airport and although sad to leave him, we were more than excited for our adventure ahead. Our flight was a long one. 11 hours to be exact, with a stop over in Kenya for an hour. I didn't mind so much and to be honest the stop over meant I could add another African country to my tick list. I had a lot of comments...as the time we went was the time of the Westgate bombings in Kenya. There has to be one conversation I can never forget...

Me: I'm going to Tanzania for a week!

Him: Oh...is it safe there?

Me: Yes..it's fine. I do however stop by Nairobi Airport for one hour

Him: Oh...don't worry, i'm sure Nairobi Airport is the safest place in the CONTINENT

Kenya Airways is on point! Ignore the negative reviews!

Continent? Really? I was fuming after he said that. Why oh why do we have the most negative representation in the world? I constantly ask God this question. I guess, it's up to us to revoke that  image and show Africa to be the beautiful place it is. 

That topic takes me on a tangent, so let me continue with my original story..

We arrived in Nairobi airport tired and dry, we rested a little and continued with our journey to Dar Es Salaam. 

When we did finally arrive, we were greeted by not only our beautiful bride to be but... Shuku (hubbie to be), Lenah (younger sis) and Naomi (niece) It was an emotional moment. I'm sure half of the people at Julius Nyerere Airport thought we were mad. The day was extremely rushed and there was no time at all for tiredness. After we were picked up, we quickly visited home and dropped off our luggage. The first stop was a dress fitting for Rehema's kitchen party that was due to happen later that evening. We were tired and pretty weak but it was still fun. The sun was shining and we were around beautiful company. #aintnotbodygottimefortiredness haha!

After the fitting we quickly went home for a quick meal of rice, matoke and beans and started to get ready for the kitchen party. The Kitchen Party is a ladies only party that celebrates the upcoming marriage of the bride. Rehema's dress was so stunning as was her sisters Lenah's. We quickly did hair and her make up and we were good to go! Both of the sisters were stunning <3. The Kitchen party was good fun. 

We danced Kwaito which is a dance that is very similar to the 'electric slide candy dance' but better. It was a blessing to experience the Tanzanian wedding culture and of course eat the food. Chapati, rice, chicken, peas. I backed it all. As the bridesmaids, we also received the gifts on behalf of Rehema. 

Our bride to be was beautiful stole the night.
After a tiring night as you can imagine we went straight to bed.

The Dress...

 

Rehema - Make up done by yours truly!

    

Isn't she lovelyyyy!

Day 2 KARIAKO (the market) 

We started the day at a shopping mall called Mlimani City. It was there where we  were able to change our pounds to Tanzanian shillings :-) we also managed to get wifi too so we frantically sent a few messages home and had a quick FaceTime call with mum. Rehema and Shuku then went to a handy man with a camera to film their wedding videos. I must say it was one of the most cutest things.... We got a bit tired so later decided to sit down in the car. It was here we   listened to Afro beats in the car with Naomi (baby niece). She's a fan of P square and whilst we were there we saw numerous adverts for their imminent visit to Tanzania :-) One thing I did notice was the presence Nigerians have with not only their music but also film.  

Kariako reminded me of Kejitia market in Kumasi - Ghana. A busy and product packed place. 

We bought various things from shoes and chai tea, to ground ginger, mangoes, bananas, oranges and bracelets. We are missing out in the UK when it comes to exotic fruits seriously. I don't know if I can take a forced ripened banana or a fake mango for any longer! 

We frantically searched for shoes to go with our bridesmaids dresses. That experience was funny. The shop was tiny and the guys selling the shoes were jokers. Making comments here and there. They also wore the trousers to their asses. Where they picked that style from I have no idea. 

After an exhausting day we bought some ice cream and continued with our journey through Dar! We drove past the presidential house, and also a place where a lot of fish is sold. The best was when we went to the beach at night and I wrote a message in the sand (Top picture) After that we went home... We relaxed with the family, had dinner (beef, rice and peas) popped to the pharmacy and then discovered a man selling sweet fried rice cakes called Vitumbua they were deliciously, warm, oily goodness!  

                                         Day 3 - Safari - Mikumi National Park

6am start people. It was early but we were in for a four hour drive and also had to get back in time to do some wedding prep. We crossed River Ruvu. A fresh water river. We passed Uluguhru mountains too. It was great. The scenery as we drove through all these places made me think of how awesome the world is. No, not to be cliche or cheesy but honestly, when I saw the beauty of mountains, rivers etc I thought to myself, how can people see nature and not believe that God exists.


We went to the park as 'nationals' to avoid paying extortionate fees but our tour guide quickly discovered that we were not. I tried to say that the reason we couldn't speak Swahili was because we were brought up in London. He didn't fall for it. It was pretty hilarious and embarrasing.


We saw elephants, giraffe, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, birds. The only thing missing was the lions and tigers but I guess it was too early for that! 




My ladies! 
The cutest Elephant Family <3
 On the way back we stopped by what I think was one of the most beautiful things I've seen in a long time. Mountains and a big lake. We met a group of fisherman we said they would be happy to take us for a boat ride. Oh my gosh. The canoe was tiny. I wasn't sure that it would take my weight. But it did and for the four of us too. It was amazing. The most pleasant scene. The water was fresh. As was the air and company.  I would happily swap that for the pollution of London! I left feeling revitalised. 





Colourful excitement


@plantbasedwoman takes in the view...

                                  Day 4 - Young, talented and Tanzanian

Wedding practice = fun times. Imagine being surrounded by a group of young modern and intelligent Tanzanians. That was us today! We all met in the afternoon to practice our dances for Rey's wedding. There was the bridesmaids entrance and an entrance for the bridge and groom and also the bride's sister and grooms friend.  Our songs of the moment from this practice were: Marry me and Mafikizolo's Khona. When we finished practicing we ate some amazingly cooked rice and beans.
We went home after and got out hair repaired as our edgies were growing. My hair is really short at the sides and normally when I braid my hair usually it is tight for a few days then it falls out. This woman cornrowed my edges and made it look as fresh as the day i had it done! 
The evening ended with another purchase of Vitumbua. Mmmmm Mmmmm Mmmmmmmm.

                                              Day 5 - Pre wedding day!

Bride, Moi, Bride's Sis and My sis <3

Another day for another party! Sue and myself went to Maureen, one of the bridesmaids houses, to get ready with the rest of the bridesmaids. We did the make up for the 4 bridesmaids and also styled their hair. They were all beautiful. Their dresses were baby blue with a touch of afro print. The Pre wedding was great fun. A collaboration of the culture, colour, dancing (kwatio) and food of course. Only problem was we forgot Rehema's glass, a small gift that she was to give to Shuku, her fiancé, that night :-( but luckily someone was able to drop it at the venue for us. Sue and myself represented Ghana in our attire. We took plenty of pictures and danced the night away. 

Bride with her Maids

#Maids

                                                    Day 6 - Tourists

We visited Mwena today, a market that is not as busy as Kariako! We managed to get gifts ranging from earrings, to rings, to artwork for good prices. The man who sold us our things was HILARIOUS! He was a rasta who told us that he had muzungo (white person) prices and African prices! We paid a little for a lot! We then did our dress fittings. And prepared for a long night of wedding preparation!

#onlyinafrica

                                                      Day 7 - Wedding day

We woke early and Rehema changed into her wedding dress and had the final send off. This was a sad moment as this was the final departure from her parents home. She cried as did her mother but her father kept a strong face. He wisely that although he wants his daughters to marry its hard to let them go. Anita was our extra bridesmaid and she arrived at the house. We got her ready make up, hair did, everything did. A quick dress and make up fix for both Sue and myself and we were on our way. Unfortunately for me I had a nose bleed during our trip to the church. By God's miracle it stopped by time we arrived at the church! Church ceremony was lovely, Rehema and Shuku were officially married! We then went to a restaurant to have drinks and food. Wifi access and check into my flight. The celebrations continued at the venue afterwards. The evening ended with a rushed trip to the airport and a sad goodbye. It was the best wedding I had been to!

We had an amazing time, it was a week full of magic.

To the happy couple...Thank you and May God continue to bless your union.

#whiskmeback

I do...

Sneaky

Married!




Bridesmaid, Maid of Honour, Bridesmaid <3
SwaG


True Friendship...
Mr and Mrs Ketorare