I’m honestly in a bit of shock. My project is concluding and it’s hard to wrap my mind around the time I’ve spent here. Ive learned so much formally and informally about Accra, and individually I’m growing into myself as a result of my experience. My research took many turns whilst here. I had multiple Professors tell me the topic was too broad so it has been refined and refined and, as I write my paper, ideas are reorganizing themselves so more refining. It was a bit discouraging, but facing the paper has been fun for it makes me think. My biggest challenge is recounting a dear life experience in a researcher way. I want to make sure my experience is accounted for, but that the relationships I’ve made and people I met are kept safe. The academic, stoic nature of research makes it a bit difficult.
The youth arts scene in Accra is a community of extremely talented creatives. One of my biggest concerns was not knowing if I was/would be accepted because I was a foreigner, a new face, and queer. I was also worried I wouldn’t manage building personal relationships alongside working relationships simultaneously. When I’d meet people, I had to decide in the moment how I wanted the conversation to go. As much as I wanted data for my research, I also wanted genuine connection and for those involved to feel natural as well. You know some conversations went better than others but I can confidently say, the community was very welcoming and willing to help me with my work, which was a bit of a culture shock. I was more or less regarded as any other creative wanting to do what they do. Every relationship fell into place how it was supposed to and my discernment improved. Just the community was enough to show me music could be a viable political tool in contemporary times. The art being made out here is mad as well. I feel safe here. I am excited for the future of my research and to visit Ghana again. Now, it is crunch time. It’s time to complete this paper.
