Recapitulation

(Aug 15)

Over the last two weeks our lives were intertwined with the lives of the local villagers in Kopeyia. Despite obvious differences, we came to know more intimately about the lives of our instructors and those who took care of our daily needs -- as well as lives of their children.

Our mutual love of the languages of both music and dance has given us the opportunity to better appreciate the richness of the lives of our hosts. We were the students, and they, the teachers. The people of Kopeyeia have so much to offer us, and it seems we have comparatively little to give in return, both musically and culturally. Their ability to live without many of the things we consider neccessary highlights the beautiful sense of joy that only close-knit family and strong community structure can provide.  We will soon return enriched and humbled by the experience, and we all talk about how jarring it will be to return to a culture often defined by its excesses and emphasis on individualism.

Just as Ewe music is not complete without its dance component, interdependence is a way of life in the Volta and other regions of Africa. Even the drums are named after different members of the family.  Many of us are bringing home a small piece of the community and life-style of Dagbe in the form of a drum -- either a sogo or a djembe. Surely the sounds we make on these instruments will resonate with more than just the music.

Mark with the lead instructor, Odartey Kwashi.

-Mark