I haven’t posted much this October, not because I don’t have anything to write about, but for the simple reason that I have been busy lately and the hiccups of internet and power situation are just so maddening I could hit the roof, (well, not literally). I won’t bore you with the story. 🙂
When time permits, I try to clear my heaping mails up to no avail, because while I have slowed down, my dear friends have been busy writing and the mail just keep heaping. If there is a way of asking would-be-followers not to follow me for a while at least,…………….it would be churlish on my part so let me just shut up.
Yesterday, my wonderful sister-in-law, Esther, (who is a Principal Research Officer with the Research and Development Division of the Ghana Heath Service, an avid reader and lover of the Arts) invited me to the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) Sunday, a Literary and Cultural Event by the GAW held every first Sunday of the month at PAWA House. Now, would you believe I had never heard of this event even though it has been going on for some time now? Esther made sure I attended by calling me on Saturday and reminding me twice on Sunday and my oh my! Absolutely no regrets.
The evening, which took of at 4.30 treated audience to poetry recitals by students of Adabraka Methodist Junior High School. I loved this so much, that GAW provides the opportunity to the youth to showcase their talents is a laudable thing. The young men and women (not kids, mind you) recited wonderful poems and sang songs in French and poor me, I was lost. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one, though. Kudos to these fine artistes in the making.
There were also readings by some fine poets and for me the highlight of the evening was the reading by Empi Baryeh from her much acclaimed latest novel Chancing Faith. Now, Empi is my favourite Ghanaian romance writer whose blog I faithfully follow. She can be counted amongst the female giants of Ghanaian writing. Her first novel Most Eligible Bachelor has been reviewed on this blog. But I had never set eyes on her (even though she lives in Ghana and works only fifteen minutes drive from my workplace), until yesterday so to say I was tickled would be an understatement. I was over the top. Needless to say, we chatted as if we had known each other for years. I also got myself a copy of Chancing Faith, available at the Silverbird, Accra Mall (for those in Ghana).
Manu Herbstein, award-winning author of Akosua and Osman (2011 Burt Awards for African Literature, 3rd Prize) and Ama, (2002 Commonwealth Writers Prize for the Best First Book) was present with his wife Akua, a renowned entrepreneur in Ghana. Though I didn’t talk to them, (we left as soon as the event ended at 6.30) I was quite awed to see Manu Herbstein in the flesh. Mrs. Herbstein is a household name in the country and I had seen her on TV variously when growing up.
On a sad note, a minute’s silence was held for a member of GAW, the late Mrs. Olivia Sosu, a retired Educationist and a poetress as well.
Indeed, this GAW event is one that I will endeavour to attend every month and blog about as well. I missed the Book Festival organised by the GAW where the President of Ghana, John Mahama, read from his recently published book, My First Coup D’etat in what was a relatively a non-political and informal atmosphere.
I also plan on reading some of my poems at the next GAW Sunday and I will give you guys the details so stay tuned. 🙂
Oh, I almost forgot. They do serve some chilled palm wine at the event. You know, we can’t just listen to readings, fine ones they may be and sound, without wetting our throats the traditional way. The palm wine was so sweet I will definitely make it next month, hook or crook. 🙂
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I appreciate your patience with me as I catch up on your blogs. Thanks a million! Shalom.
Reading Pleasure 