CAN THE WEST LOVE AND APPRECIATE THE BLACK RACE?

As the year wears out, the gale strength of the yuletide is strongly felt in every corner of the nation. Not even the smallest village where people get to wear fine clothes once a year is spared this phenomenon. This is also a perfect time for Ghanaians living abroad and other nationals to touch base with their folks home. Osu is fast growing into a cosmopolitan city with its famous Oxford Street serving the purpose of New York’s Manhattan. With unending pubs, restaurants, clubs among others, it is certainly a must-go place for all these visitors from far and near.

Kris is an American citizen born and raised in the city of Detroit. The Michigan State University graduate doesn’t hide his Spanish descent. These give the young African American a complex identity. Kris couldn’t be left off the Xmas trip to the former Gold Coast. His smart and observant character was enough for him to make a lot out of his two week stay in GH. On the shoreline of the famous La pleasure Beach, he carefully observed a GH ‘business’ Rastafarian in a hearty chat with a white lady. Kris wouldn’t hesitate to voice out on this global phenomenon which the West seems not ready to deal with.

Yes! It is a global phenomenon with its ugly head finding its foot in every corner of the universe. The so called western and advanced countries will always remain chief suspects of this canker. One wonders if they could ever delete it from their scholarly dictionaries. This evil, Racism can be defined as the belief that people of different races have different qualities and abilities, and that some races are inherently superior or inferior. Kris like several other activist keeps dreaming of a day when its foundation could no longer hold, hence its complete collapse.

‘‘I am one person who is never comfortable with the whole idea or issue of this global evil called racism. I have always wondered how it really came about who how the idea developed. It is very criminal to human existence- it is never right for anyone to go ahead and so another less of a human being. This is not just right and also fair. I think every one needs to help so this thing is cast out of the world. It is very crazy!’’. These were the seductive tone words that came out of his mouth in a very passionate but dramatic manner.

His belongs to the school of thought that strongly condemns this evil and will never compromise playing the level game. Several people keep factoring in the level of racism among individual nations but this Kris thinks is not the issue. He was quick to disagree with the opinion that racism is on the subtle level when it comes to the United States of America. To him, it is a mere illusion aimed at diverting attention from this evil which truly exists. Such a thing paints a picture of hiding behind a shade scenario.

‘‘It is very difficult for me to understand those who claim racism is on a subtle level in the states. I think it is another way of saying racism is good. I don’t know how you seem to understand this statement. Anyway I think it is very inappropriate for anyone to say such a think. I think everyone should face the fact and be honest. Blacks form about 13% of the American population but you have blacks forming over 80% of the population in the counties prisons, and what can be said of this. The justice system is even racist. A drunken white guy steals a car from MSU and in the process kills an old man. He is sentenced to less than a decade in jail. Another black student does almost the same without killing anyone but rather injuring one student. He received over two decades of prison sentence. Can we call this just, so what is this called?’’

Kris doesn’t just feel bitter about this evil because everyone is marching against it, but rather due to his own experiences. And experience they say is always the best teacher. ‘‘I had my colleagues at G.E refer to me as a negga for several times and this influenced my decision to resign from the company. You go into a shop and you don’t get service because you are blacks. That is the stereotype and blacks are seen not to be wealthy. I think it must not be accepted. Just imagine an Indian American asking a newly matriculated African student how he felt the first time he wore clothes after coming to the states.’’

Martin King Luther’s dream could have come to pass with a black man from Kenya as the president of the United States of America. But the question is if he can eradicate racism even with a reform of the justice system. With this evil, is the United States justified in imposing its so called democracy on other nations even when its black minority remain marginalized. As their motto goes, in God we trust, we expect them to do what is of God. May the same God bless black president Obama and Kris as he’s landed a new job with the ministry of Defence!

By Chris Koney
chriskoney@gmail.com

GH RASTAFARIANS- WHERE THOU ART?

To have lived in the deepest corners of the famous ‘shanty’ city of Kingston several years will certainly never come without loads of experiences, both good and bad. If not for anything, you are promised of an exposure to the illegal activities of the chain of robust, smart drug syndicates. If it’s not about the staple of the land, marijuana then it will be the movement of arms within and out of the island. Red, yellow, green and black has gradually replaced the national flag as these colours are seen almost ubiquitously. But this is courtesy a now global religious movement with much of its followers on the island.

Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement which traces its origin to the island as far back as the early part the twentieth century. The movement was named after an Ethiopian prince who in 1930 was crowned emperor of Ethiopia- Haile Selassie I, originally named Tafari Makonnen. The word Ras means “Lord” in the Amharic language hence the name Rastafari. Selassie’s other titles included King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is regarded by the movement’s faithfulls as the black king and redeemer Marcus Garvey had prophesised.

As a worldwide phenomenon, Rastafarianism is practised at every corner of the globe with GH not an exception. This brings the number of the movement’s loyal faithfulls to over millions. Elements which over the years did popularise this movement include the reggae genre of music. This was thanks to the legendary Robert Nesta Marley who converted to Rastafarianism in 1967. The Rastafarian message become widespread during the 1970s and early 1980s, as Marley and reggae achieved mainstream popularity. Even after his death other reggae musicians inspired by the Rastafarian message, also communicated it through their music. They include the likes of our contemporary Black Prophet, Blak Rasta and others whom are making waves with this genre of music.

Being a member of this Afro-Caribbean religious movement doesn’t leave you with uncountable challenges, but rather simple rules and regulations just like other religions. A Rastafarian, whether to the core or not is expected to venerate the Elect of God, Haile Salassie I and also forgo cutting or shaving of his or her hair. This biblical law of the Nazarenes has left most Rastafarians wearing a long, matted locked hair popularly referred to as dreadlocks. They are to abstain from intoxicants especially hard liquor. Their diet should be devoid of certain items but rather eat foods considered as pure and untainted. As a follower of ‘‘the Might of the Trinity’’, one is expected to stress black culture and enlighten others on the idea of black identity. The idea of the black God and messiah forms the basis of the black culture and identity. Black should never be seen as inferior but rather the best.

If all these are fundamental elements forming the basis of the Jamaican religious and cultural movement, one will wonder if there are any true Rastafarians in Ghana. The streets of Accra are never spared with several patrolling men and women with their long locked hairs wrapped in turbans. One major question is what are these people doing on the streets and does their actions conform to the rules and regulations of the religion. If Rastafarianism is just about endorsing the elaborate ritual system which involves the use of marijuana as a sacrament, then there will be no doubt Accra alone can boast of over millions of Rastafarians. But truth be told, there are now more non Rastafarians in GH smoking ‘ganja’ than the Rastafarians even do. Bob Marley among an endless list of Rastafarians under the influence of marijuana sung praises of its spiritual effects and endorsed black racial superiority. Apart from the likes of Rocky Dawuni, Black Prophet, Blakk Rasta (who is even rumoured not to be a ganja smoker), what can be said of the several thousands of Ghanaian Rastafarians. So does it mean they are just smoking for the fun of it or they are simply substance abusers?

Rastafarianism is fast going through another phase in GH with lots of these dreadlocked men selling their soul, mind and body to the very people the movement is critical of. What has come to stay with uncountable examples in the coastal areas is the phenomenon of ‘Business Rasta’. Black consciousness seems to be losing if not lost its essence and value in the world of Ghanaian Rastafarianism. A visit to the famous La Pleasure beach, Kokrobite beach and Bojo beach will vindicate this. Several Rastafarians gather under the big palm trees along the coast line to smoke all day, forgetting life is not all about ganja. They are seen openly consumer the toxicants the movement forbids with no regrets. There will be several other Rastafarians parading the shore looking out for ‘vulnerable’ whites to pounce on.

They usually act needy and friendly to their victims, usually white ladies. They lure these whites to win their sympathy after which they become their slaves. This will certainly put into their pockets their idolised dollar bills. As if that is not enough, some Rastafarians will go to the extreme with the support of black magic to get these ladies to love them. With this supposed love, wedding bands and meaningless vows are exchanged. Trust them to end up in Europe and the Americas with these whites all in the name of love.

Instead of fighting for black superiority, these Rastafarians will do otherwise. With their activities, they tend to degrade the black race in the eyes of the Whiteman. This goes a long way to confirm the good old adage- anything Black is evil and anything White is God. How long will these self centred and interested persons be allowed to bring into disrepute the enviable afro-Caribbean religion. The true Rastafarians need to stand up as their most cherished religion will sooner than later be drugged into the mud. To all the whites, be careful of the Rastafarians you hang out with, some might be ‘Business Rastas’. J A H – R A T A F A R I ! ! ! ! ! ! !

By Chris Koney

SPOKEN WORD TO PUT GH ON THE MAP- MUTOMBO DECLARES

Mutombo remains underground and unknown to many lovers of the arts fraternity even though he is one of the finest spoken word artists in the nation’s capital, Accra. Music continues to overshadow other brands of the arts in many parts of the world with GH not an exception- (where there is a current invasion by the by GH rap movement). Apart from the money it rakes in, music has also proved to have strong influence on the emotions of its global followers.

No wonder people in the arts received with open hands the British Council’s Creative Festival (WAPI) aimed as bringing together words and pictures. You can understand such an excitement because we live in a community where people don’t appreciate the arts not to talk of paying for it. With the height at which poetry is attained, everyone expected it to feature. There was no way it won’t have been accompanied with the all-encompassing Spoken Word.

Even though a new phenomenon, it has not failed to catch with art lovers beyond the boundaries of the nation’s capital especially amongst the youth. With their passion and affection for it, there is all indication they wouldn’t mind paying for it. If not for anything, this paradigm shift is as a result of the creativity the artists have exhibited including the all Ian Jazzy, Sir Black, Chief and D K Osei Yaw.

Mutombo, 27 could not hide his joy and excitement his most treasured Spoken Word has receiving the recognition it deserves as I engaged him in an interview.
‘‘I’m very excited lots of people are getting into our vibe now and understanding what we are about with this. This means we are heading somewhere with out art. I am hoping it will continue in the same way. The masses need to come out and experience this thing and I know there are lot of Spoken Work artist yet to get on board.’’

Mutombo, a name he got from his good showing in basketball in high school has come to replace his real name Percy Osei-Appiah. Coming from a humble beginning in the nation’s capital, he passed through some good schools before ending up at Accra Academy where he got his stage name. He moved on to take a course in IT at the Graphic road branch of the Intercom Processing and Manufacturing Company (IPMC). Currently, he is working with an agency to start a TV reality show focussing on his beloved Spoken word and poetry.

‘‘I have been doing this spoken word thing for like eight years now and hoping it will grow very fast in this country. Just like in sports, football is overshadowing all others so is spoken word being over shadowed but the fight is still on. After my performance on TV3 for the Mentor show, people are getting to know more about spoken word. I have been inspired by myself and the Lord God. My favourite poets are the legendary Soul Williams, Maya Angelo amongst others who have great pieces. I have learnt a lot from reading and following the works of these people.’’

The optimistic artist wouldn’t give away any opportunity to talk on the future of Spoken Word even in the midst of all obstacles.
‘‘It is rather unfortunate that spoken word is not a big thing in Ghana. I think the avenue should be provided for us because we are ready to do our best and a solid Spoken word industry can generate much more income than people will even think. Big ups to Mantse, PY and the whole movement for the Bless the mic show at Baze but I think there is much more to be done. They don’t give much time to the spoken word artists- they turn to concentrate much on the rappers’’.

It is clear this dude is not leaving anything to chance and promises to take spoken word to another level and also putting GH on the map. He plans to blend a Spoken Word album to propagate his vision as well as that of Spoken Word. According to him, it wouldn’t take any longer for the world to know what exactly he is made off as he plans o embark on an international tour with other big names in the music as well as mainstream poetry. if you are a lover of Spoken Word, you will not regret passing through the Osu based Baze Lounge every Thursday from 9pm. See you there if you are a fan and a lover of creative arts, you are welcomed.

LEGON AND THE BORGAR PALAVER- THE RUSH IS ON AS VACATION CLOSES IN.

Burger is a colloquial word meaning Hamburger, a flat patty of ground meat, usually beef that is broiled or fried and served in a bun. This word has been corrupted by Ghanaians both in meaning and spelling, resulting in the birth of the Burger Highlife music genre. This era was in the later part of the twentieth century when some Ghanaian musicians resident in several German cities (especially Hamburg) built a stronger musical career for themselves. This included the likes of Lee Doudo, McGod, Charles Amoah, and Ben Brako among a host of others. From then, the word Borgar, an offspring of Burger was conferred on anyone who travels out of the shores of the nation even if not Germany.

The premier university of the nation is one institute that continually is flooded with over twenty thousand application forms annually. This indicates its status in relations to the nation’s other tertiary institutions. Even with its various admission policies including the famous affirmative action for female applicant, thousands of hearts are broken annually as the university’s intake is pegged around eight thousand. With an elaborate ceremony, these freshmen are matriculated into the university, making them recognised members of the elite society. The major challenge confronting these freshmen is being handed the enormous responsibility of settling down in a very convoluted environment where one wonders who he or she can trust.

More often than not, students of Legon, the premier university are not bothered with the numerous problems that plague the university preventing a sound learning environment. Not even the overstretched university facilities or the contentious residential allocations seem to be the bother of these students. This is not to talk of the university’s failure to function as a research based institution been given any attention by the several thousands of students. What is seen to be more pressing within the students fraternity is the sustenance of the highly cherished ‘‘Leg Experience’’- a four pack objectives defined by the student body as Ultimate Achievement (Grabbing, Inner Rooms, Borgar and First Class). Almost all souls on campus place much importance on Borgar.

‘‘Borgar’’ on campus is about travelling out of the shores of the country during vacations to scout for usually picking and parking jobs. With no restriction to any sex, the major aim of borgaring is to obtaining ‘deep pockets’ for show offs as well as for subsequent travels. It’s only the rich kid students who can afford to travel out to shake off the semester’s stress and to calm their nerves without thinking of grading a shanty job. These Dada- Bees (as they are called) can afford to travel for few weeks in order not to miss out on their academic work. This is contrasted by their colleagues who stay out there longer in their quest to amass more wealth. South Africa, Ireland and Canada are some of their destinations but the desired ones of any Borgar is the United States of America or United Kingdom.

To be given the title Borgar on campus is like being given the uncontrollable privileges of the British monarch or the marriage powers of a tradition African King. Being a Borgar does not only come with Prestige but some sort of Respect as well.
In an interaction with Amos Quarcoopome, a final year student and a known one time UK Borgar, he wouldn’t waste time to comment on the most important issue on campus among students, Borgar. According to him, the title Borgar comes with much more than reverence and prestige. ‘‘To be called a Borgar is the dream of over eighty percent of all students on campus. This show how important it is to students in general, not only those of Legon. There is the perception that Borgars are rich and can afford whatever they want. This makes it adorable and enviable resulting in its attached importance and attention. People will prefer to be Borgars than even getting a first class, it is really funny’’.

According to Amos, some people come to Legon not because they want to obtain a degree but for alternative reasons of which includes Borgar. These people will certainly overstay their visas and end up as illegal migrants. That becomes the last known of them as they use the university as a means to an end. The UK borgar goes ahead to detail me on the advantages of being a Borgar.
‘‘When you are a Borgar, it gives you this sort of confidence and you feel good within you and among others. Things become quite easier for you as you get certain favours you previously were not getting. Borgars are known to own the best clothes and use the very expensive designers and brands- talk of D&G, RocaWear, Victoria Secret, Mary Kay and others

With the recent changes in the immigration laws of the several European countries, students on campus seem to have developed their own way around these embassies. This brings to floor the chain of Travel Organisations of which some are even perceived to be operating illegally on campus. Some students will still employ their services in spite of their exorbitant charges. An American work program (J1 Visa) is between $2500 to $3000 and1200 pounds for a UK working holiday visa. The unfortunate ones’ who can’t raise such an amount continually holds on to faith trusting the embassies would not refuse their applications. This group are those who sometimes depend on the advice of Borgar pals.

Another aspect of the Borgar phenomenon which is kept in the dark is what these Borgars do on their stay in those countries- inhumane jobs. This is confirmed by a USA Borgar, Christie. She was lucky to have worked as a crew member McDonalds and KFC.
‘‘As a crew member, your role various at every point I time. You either serve or be at the drive through- taking orders. I know a lot of friends who had to do cleaning and other crazy jobs even without a good remuneration. It is not easy like people think and being out there can be frustrating sometimes.

From these testimonies, won’t there be a need to call a student who goes to the UK for inhuman jobs as a UK Hustler than a UK Borgar. The question on my mind is if it is appropriate for our intelligent university students and our future leaders to be embarking on such trips only to be reduced to mere dish washing machines among others. Some will even go through all these process and finally not end up realising their Borgar ambitions. This is compensated with very poor grades. To have a travel experience is just right and perfect but not in such a manner where your existence and identity will be twaddle.

By Chris Koney
chriskoney@gmail.com