With your music
you offered so much to the world
with your lovely voice
raised emotions to new heights
with your incredible voice
reached the hearts of the masses
with your love life
we know you didn’t get enough in return
with abusive lover, spat on, scorned
surrounded by friends, family and staff
yet isolated in the midst of the crowd
no love was as expressed as in your music
with your troubled talent
you paid the high price of isolation
the gap between public adoration
and private pain, tight in accepting support
with the pain of exquisite sensitivity
underscored flaws that influenced escapism
with your sudden death
you transformed into an ethereal message
with your tragic loss a reminder:
the ability to take in affection and care
is perhaps as important as giving it out
with the hope of immortality
Whitney, please when you finally get there
do extend our love and appreciation to Janis Joplin,
Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Michael Jackson,
who like you were cruelly tossed about by fame and fortune...
and are finally at peace.
Finally at Peace - Dela Bobobee
Artist Profile - A Tribute to Whitney Houston from Dela Bobobee
Whitney Houston died on February 11th, 2012, at the age of 48. Last week we featured a tribute by Prince Mensah (in both poetry and prose) to Houston and her work in support of the Anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa. Inspired by Prince's contribution, Dela Bobobee sent us this very moving personal account of the role Whitney Houston's music played in his life, and we're honoured to have the opportunity to share both it, and the above-featured poem of Dela's, here with you:
When I was a child, for whatever reason, my dad decided that none of his younger kids would proceed to secondary school without first acquiring Middle School Leaving Certificate (MSLC). I was just 16 years old in 1980 when I completed my 10 year elementary education in Aveyime Methodist Primary & Middle School in Ghana. A lot of perplexing questions that needed urgent answers flooded my teenage mind then. I couldn’t find such answers either in the peer-pressure groups that exerted so much negative influence on me, or from my overly disciplinarian parents, due to the yawing generation gap.
The teeming teenage challenges I faced then in my formative years became adversely overwhelming until on January 18, 1986, I dropped out of school, left my suitcases and other belongings at the boarding house and secretly left Ghana for Nigeria under some upsetting circumstances. Even in Nigeria, the confusion and the harsh realities of fending for oneself so early in life continued. I became disillusioned and had serious self-doubts as thoughts of returning home as a failed voyager crept into my agitated mind. Answers came to me when, on March 14, 1986, "The Greatest Love of All" was released by Whitney Houston. The words of the music describe deep feelings about coping with the great challenges that one must face in life.
In fact, I strongly believe that the words of that song were actually sent from heaven and meant to strengthen me in the specific challenges I faced. It encouraged me to be strong during those difficult times, whether I succeeded or fail. It also talked about passing that strength on to children to carry with them into their adult lives. Those were the only answers I needed. I decided never to give up the struggle; I needed to continue my education that came to such an abrupt halt in Ghana. I started by doing “kayakaya” or porter work in some markets in Lagos, parts of Ogun State, and also did other menial jobs in construction sites, until the opportunity came and I was able to save enough money to enroll in Methodist Boys' High School, 11 Broad Street, Lagos. I got my SSCE in record time, passed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exams (JAMB) and got admission into the University of Lagos where I studied for my bachelor and master’s degrees. While still in the university as a full-time international student, I was still doing menial jobs in addition to a part-time job as a permanent night security operative in Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi. Interestingly, I even in some points of time functioned as a falcon that fed its falconer. I periodically sent gifts to my parents and siblings back home in Ghana while still in school.
At the early stages I became one of the greatest fans of Whitney, and her music continued to inspire me through life, especially another hit song called “When You Believe”, which was released on November 2, 1998. That was exactly the time I finished my first degree and was preparing for my master’s programme in the Faculty of Law. This music encouraged me immensely when I was again in self doubt about my potentials, because when I passed the PG qualifying entrance exams I had no money to pay for the course as an international student. And so when the music was released at that particular crucial time, I keyed unto the powerful words of faith in the chorus. It worked, because a miracle did happen, and I was able to successfully complete my master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy.
There can be miracles, when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe
I got my master’s degree almost fourteen years ago. The point I am trying to make here is that, single-handedly, I sponsored my way from high school through postgraduate school in a foreign country. All this happened in part because of the strength of the deep impact of Whitney’s inspiring voice behind those great songs. Today I am the CEO of my own company with my children as shareholders. I now have a family of my own to nurture and am duty-bound to pass that self-reliant strength on to my children to carry with them into their adult lives. You see, I owe God Almighty all the thanks and praises, and still believe that it was truly God who sent Whitney to sing into my heart and soul all the strength I needed to carry on in those turbulent points in my life, especially when I needed it most.
Adios, Whitney! Today we are all chief mourners who, within our angst, also celebrate your life with elation, knowing that you are finally at peace!
-----
Dela Bobobee is a frequent OGOV contributor. You can read more of his writing here.
Whitney: An Acrostic - Prince Mensah
What a voice, what a voice sent from heaven!
Here we are, browsing memories you left.
I Will Always Love You, you sang to us,
Telling us about heartaches and heart pain.
No one captured love like you did,
Even angels knew not to face you in song.
Yes, we are struggling to remain strong.
Every life is a candle on life's path,
Lighting places where heartbreaks rule.
In your voice was a sweet, sweet spirit that
Zeroed in to secret places in our hearts.
All we wanted was to hear you sing again
But God needed you badly in heaven's choir.
Every time we hear your voice, our hearts
Tell us that you are resting in peace,
Happy to be where troubles cease.
Here we are, to remember your life -
Only God knows why you left us early.
Until we meet again, we shall sing
Songs of love that you immortalized.
This moment, our hearts are heavy with sadness,
Only God knows why you left us early.
Now look to Him, He waits by gates pearly.
Artist Profile - Whitney Houston and the Anti-Apartheid Movement
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was a soldier in the global fight against apartheid in South Africa. Early on, in her career as a model, she refused to work with any agency that had ties to the then-apartheid regime in South Africa. Her stance cemented her status as an icon among Africans, who felt she was one of the few bridges between their continent and the rest of the world.
Whitney sang at the 1988 Wembley Concert in London to celebrate the 70th birthday of the then-incarcerated Nelson Mandela. She had the opportunity to sing to Mandela in person, in 1994, when he visited the United States as the first president of post-apartheid South Africa.
Whitney Houston was one of the few African-Americans who believed in Africa long before it became fashionable in the United States. She celebrated her identity as a Black person in many ways. As a person born in segregated times, she chose a front seat role in fighting against prejudice. Some people might choose to remember only her struggles, but Africa remembers her as a sister, a queen, a trailblazer and an inspiration. She truly left indelible footprints in our lives.
-----
Prince Mensah is a regular contributor and Associate Editor here at One Ghana, One Voice.
A Birthday - Etornam Agbodo
He came to me.
This morning the 24th of May.
Beaming a smile with radiant eyes.
Expecting as is his right.
I opened the door to his authoritative knock.
"Good morning!" He exclaimed triumphant.
Through sleepy haze I glanced at him.
One eye almost closed.
"Dad, it’s my Birthday." He said.
The power of sleep lost hold instantly.
Yes, the 24th of May.
He was born the day afore nine years ago.
That his birthday was yesterday mattered not.
I was not there, had not wished him happy.
It is his birthday until proper ceremony is done.
I stood helpless, hiding tears behind mock frown.
I couldn’t make promises,
For I had no power to fulfill.
Penniless.
"We’ll see to that later."
The deep boom of my worthless voice answered.
Blatant lie.
We’d see to nothing.
There was naught I could do.
Shames this sphere heaps on me.
My lot may be.
Helpless.
Shy still to state.
Without means.
Not able to provide one morsel of my own.
Yet still I hope.
A birthday to you my son though I dare not say happy.
Perchance that day comes,
When I can truly wish your birthday happy indeed.
Till then, "Birthday" to you, son.
Author Profile - Etornam Agbodo
Biography:
Five Questions with Etornam Adbodo:
Contact Etornam:
Etornam Adbodo was born premature in the Township of Agbozume in the Volta Region, two and a half months before time. He bets he was making a dash for it, never wanted anything slow. The year was 1974, the world was not well equipped for little hell-raisers like him, much the worse in Ghana. The doctor rightly said he had a very slim chance of making it but he did, and in fact has outlived that doctor. He schooled in Ghana and left for the UK just after his tertiary education. None of his school days were without incidence though. He is back in Ghana now and happy though he still goes back to the UK now and again to see family and friends.
Etornam's first ever complete published work, a compilation of poems entitled Verses of a Poet was published in the UK. He has written short stories and poems, with some making it into magazines and newspapers. Writing, for him, is a continual journey. The journey of his life, lights and sounds that he loves to share. He endeavors to live each day in a meaningful and even profitable way, though he might fail often. It is all part of the journey.
Five Questions with Etornam Adbodo:
1. How long have you been writing poetry?
I started my journey into the literary world in the good old days sitting in the sand and listening to my aunts and gran telling fables under the moonlight. I got so carried away by it that I started telling my own tales. I was fascinated they enjoyed these and kept asking where I heard them from, not suspecting I formulated them myself. Then there came a time when I just wanted to get long ideas and experiences written in short syllables. That is when I stumbled upon the poetry thing. That was back in the early nineties. I had some good audience I still hope they did not follow my writings because they were friends.
2. Who are your favourite poets? Which poets have most informed and inspired your work?
I love poetry and indulge that whim so much. I have read alongside poets like Spicy Fingers in Birmingham and Mrs. Cooper at literary events. I love their works but for now if I should select favorites, I should go for the renowned Wole Soyinka and that eternal poet, Thomas Hardy. I must confess my list does not end there.
3. What do you hope to accomplish with your poetry?
Poetry for me is the totality of my journey and experiences I wish to share. It is an effort to reach out and feel myself breathing and living.
4. You were a resident of the UK, but have moved back to Ghana. What inspired the move?
Moving back to Ghana was no easy choice. I had built stable family life and amassed good friends in the UK, but I still missed those little treasures I used to take for granted when I hadn't traveled. That social grace where everyone in the community knows your family by name, that sense of belonging which is more present in Ghana than in good old Britain where it was from work to the comforts of the heater in your house, and where your next door neighbor hardly knew your name. I could give a thousand and one reasons but permit me to say it in one established idiom: "Home Sweet Home".
5. Can you tell us a bit more about your novel, in case our readers might be interested in picking it up?
My recent novel is entitled The Dawn of Day. It is an attempt to confront modern day segregation that is rife, though like the proverbial ostrich we tend to hide our faces in the sand and pretend there is no danger until it creeps up on us. I have had to complete application forms and contend with the part where you have to state whether you are a black African, black British, Asian or Caucasian as if your race might determine your output. The novel tells of love's triumph over racial and social segregation. The statement "love conquers all" stands to test.
Contact Etornam:
etornamagbodo(at)yahoo.com
Memories of the Electricity Company of Ghana - Kofi A. Amoako
On, off
On, off
On for a while
Off for a while longer
On during the day
Off during the night time when the moon is late
On when the television is broken
Off when the final match is showing
On when nothing needs freezing
Off when the morgues are overcrowding
On when the clothes are drying on the line
Off when it's time for ironing
On when the charcoal is plentiful
Off when there's a kerosene shortage
On when there's nothing to do
Off when needle needs threading
On when nobody's home
Off when the party is still young
On when there are secrets to be shared
Off when we need to see the faces of strangers
Dear Electricity Company of Ghana,
Turn it on when I need to see my scars, my memories
Turn it off when I cry and feel vulnerable
Turn it on when I mouth "I love you" to my dear
Turn it off when my lover feels shy
On those nights when rain bounces on the roof.
Author Profile - Kofi A. Amoako
Biography:
Five Questions with Kofi A. Amoako:
Contact Kofi:
Kofi A. Amoako was born and raised in Ghana, however he has spent the last decade and a half in Toronto, Canada - mainly as a student and and as a youth engagement worker. He's working to complete his International Development studies degree. He enjoys humour, soccer and all the other simple things in between.
Five Questions with Kofi A. Amoako:
1. How long have you been writing poetry?
I've been writing for about 10 years now - though not focused enough or consistently enough for my own liking.
2. Who are your favorite poets? Which poets have most influenced and informed your work?
I enjoy the poetry of Amiri Baraka, Gabriel Okara, Maya Angelou, Chinua Achebe, Leopold Senghor, and Ernest Hemingway is wonderful as well. I also love the poetry in old high-life songs - they are simply brilliant.
3. What do you hope to accomplish with your poetry?
I just want to share some of my ideas or perspectives on all sorts of topics and happenings. But on a personal level, it is a way of reflecting on certain experiences and realities (whether first-hand or of others). It is also a way of relating to other people who may or may not have an understanding of the images that the poem is attempting to paint. It's a way of providing commentary on day to day activities, event, memories, imagined worlds, etc.
4. You note in your bio that you are now living in Canada (hence the poem being about "memories"). When were you last in Ghana. Do you have plans to return soon?
Memories are important to living and Ghana is a memorable place. Luckily, I have gotten the opportunity to go to Ghana on two occasions in the last two years. I was there for five months from May-October 2011 on an internship. And yes, I plan on returning soon (I've begun the long process of saving all the pennies that I come across).
5. How do you think living in Canada for the last decade and a half has shaped your writing? Do you think yo would be writing more or less the same things, in the same style, if you still lived in Ghana?
Living in Canada has definitely influenced me because I have spent over half of my life here. Being an immigrant definitely allows one to have a clearer understanding and/or appreciation of both the life experiences in the old country and in the new country. So for instance, I am much appreciative of my Ghanaian upbringing as a result of being in Canada. Similarly, I am thankful for my Canadian experience because it has allowed me to grow in many ways. So surely, my writing wouldn't be the same if I still lived in Ghana because the lens with which I engage the world would not be the same. A person's perspective is shaped by many factors and for migrating people, location plays a critical role in forming that perspective.
Contact Kofi:
eugene.amoako(at)gmail.com
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