Language Learning Success Story: Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé Kambon poetry in Akan (Asante Twi) and Yorùbá

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 23:19:34 +0200

Join us for the Abibitumi conference at https://www.abibitumi.comVideo description: Launch of The Gourd Magazine — Readings, Rationale & Q&A (Festival Session)On the third and final day of the PA Festival in Accra, this session launches The Gourd Magazine—a new platform for critical writing and creative work in Ghanaian and other Afrikan languages. The conversation covers the magazine’s mission, why language choice matters, and live readings by contributors.Who’s in the videoƆbenfo (Professor) Ọbádélé Bakari Kambon — Associate Professor, Institute of African Studies (UG). Reads his Twi poem “When the Enemy Shows the Way” and discusses composing exclusively in Afrikan languages; later shares a Yoruba oríkì for Dr. John Henrik Clarke.Kofi Nazzah (video link, from Manchester) — Founder/Editor of The Gourd Magazine. Outlines the vision: rigorous cultural criticism and creative writing in local languages; previews his review of the film “The Eyes of Ghana.”Kofi Akpabli — Writer/lecturer/journalist. Reads from “What Is Right with Akpeteshie?” — a long-form cultural meditation on Ghana’s famed local gin.What you’ll hearWhy The Gourd Magazine centers indigenous languages for poetry, essays, and reviewsA Twi performance of “When the Enemy Shows the Way” with English renderingA lively reading on akpeteshie—history, stigma, scent, and social lifePlans for print + digital editions and publishing cadence (aiming for quarterly; may begin with two issues annually)Closing launch announcement and performance of “Quiet Warrior”Chapters0:00 Welcome & session setup0:33 Opening remarks — festival day 3, intro to The Gourd Magazine1:03 Introducing online panelist Kofi Nazzah (audio link-up)2:48 Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé Bakari Kambon — background & contribution5:00 Connection stabilizes; panel flow resumes8:06 Magazine purpose & contributor intros (on-stage)13:12 Twi poem reading: “When the Enemy Shows the Way” (+ translation)18:33 Kofi Akpabli reading: “What Is Right with Akpeteshie?” (excerpt)22:28 Editor’s note: film review “The Eyes of Ghana” (Nazzah)28:58 Audience Q&A — print vs. digital, frequency31:10 More readings & reflections (Akpeteshie; Yoruba oríkì follows)34:32 Oríkì: Yoruba praise poem for Dr. John Henrik Clarke39:03 Official launch of The Gourd Magazine41:18 Closing announcement & “Quiet Warrior” performanceHow to supportGrab the print issue when announced and share the digital releaseSubmit original work (poetry, essays, reviews) in Ghanaian and other Afrikan languagesSpread the word to readers, writers, and educatorsPlease download and register for our apps so we can chat in real time:1. Abibitumi.com (Social Education App)Abibitumi.com (Social Education App): Learn and network—access courses & live sessions, join groups, share photos/videos, message your community, and get event updates in one place. Android: https://play.google.com/store/....apps/details?id=com. https://apps.apple.com/pl/app/....abibitumi-com/id1641 2. Abibinkra (Messaging App)Abibinkra (Messaging App): Free photo/video sharing, free voice & video calls, fast group chats, voice notes, and file sharing with Kmtyw 'Black People' worldwide. Android: https://play.google.com/store/....apps/details?id=com. (direct download): https://www.abibitumi.com/abibinkraiosappOnce you create your login on Abibitumi.com you can use the same username and password for Abibinkra.Tech Support: Kodjo of Asuture — +233 50 554 8436Email support: Agya Kwadwo Tòkunbọ̀ kwadwo@abibitumi.com