House of Tradional African and Ghanaian Music
On Saturday, September 1st, we will had the opportunity to
meet one of Ghana's national treasures and living legends in music, Agya Koo
Nima. He spoke to us about traditional Ghanaian music and performed with his
band. One style of music we learned about was palmwine. Palm wine music is a
local drink from the palm oil tree. The music began with the introduction of
the guitar. Agya Koo Nima gave us a few words of advice before we left. He old
us that we should have fun, stay in good health in order to live long, and to
leave a place in the western corners of hearts for ourselves.
Manhyia Palace Museum.
This palace
is an important part of history. It was built
in 1925 for Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I, by the British Colonial Government,
as his private residence when he returned from Seychelles after twenty-eight
years in exile. Prior to the Asantehene's exile, his old
palace had been burnt down in the Yaa Asantewaa War. The war was fought between
the British and the Asantes because of the refusal of the Asantehene to offer the
golden stool to the then governor of the Gold Coast. The museum holds effigies of the past and present kings of
the Asante Kingdom, and some gold artifacts and also tells the story of the
Asante Kingdom.
Kejetia Market
Kejetia Market is also
known as Kumasi Central Market. It is one of the largest markets in West
Africa. As soon as we reached the main road I was in complete awe. Looking to my left and right it seemed as if the market didn't end. The rooftops and shops went on
for miles. Walking through the market was an experience. It was very intense.
There were so many different directions to go, a narrow walkway here, one
there…everyone also seemed in a rush to get where they were going. My friend Baindu and I thought we had gotten lost at one point but we found our way back. The
great thing about this market was that items seemed relatively cheaper than any
place I had gone to in Accra. All in all it was a great experience and I walked
away with a great pair of sandals for a very cheap price.
After all of the
tourist sites, one of my favorite parts of the weekend was Saturday night. It
was my friend J.t.'s birthday and we all went to out to celebrate. It was a great
way to end our weekend in Kumasi!
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Happy Birhday J.t.!
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