Feb 13, 2010

We have arrived in Ghana!

The first couple of days in Ghana have been some of the most amazing of my life. PFCF has been welcomed with open arms to this amazing country. We’ve found the people to have beautiful spirits, with strong traditions and a culture full of music and light.

After the short plane ride from Ghana’s capital, Accra to Tamale we all were exhausted, but excited to be in a new place and experiencing the opening of our second music school on the continent of Africa. After arriving at our hotel we met up with Mohammed Alidu (of the PFC band, and whose driving passion for his native culture brought the school to fruition) and his brother Abraman (who built the school-- without him it wouldn’t exist). They took us to the Youth Center where an open-air garment shop was located.

We were all measured for special Playing For Change outfits that we will wear to the official opening of the Bizung School of Music and Dance. As we arrived, young men and women were busily sewing and stitching behind rows of antique sewing machines. The care and attention they gave to each thread and piece of cloth left me in awe as all of this takes place in the heat of the Ghana sun. The shop’s owner is the guiding force, providing apprenticeships, income and a way to learn a useful craft to these young Ghanaian men and women. The rows of colors and patterns were like nothing I’d ever seen. The unbelievable beauty in these fabrics is difficult to describe. A lovely woman named Margaret helped us navigate through all of the choices.

As we left, we received a warm good bye and an invitation to return, which no doubt we will. Tamale’s warmth is unmistakable and we’re taking in every bit of it. --Thea

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