Allow me to re-introduce myself…

My name is HOV (Oh!)

Na, it’s actually Global Gyal 🙂

Hello hello hello everyone!!

Welcome backkkkk (I should actually welcome myself back since I’m the one that’s been missing in action – haha)

I have LOTS to catch you up on from months past, which I’ll be sure to do another time.

‘Cause right now, we fast forward to present day where I have moved locations once again!

Sticking to the plan of 5 years, 5 countries, 5 regions of the world, I am now in Ghana 🇬🇭

This is the African part of my journey

West Africa to be specific.

I literally moved here 3 weeks ago, so you are jumping right into the heavy action.

I’ve released two new videos on the Global Gyal Youtube Channel (yes that’s still going!), that share what Accra (the capital city of Ghana) has been like so far, and you can find them here:

PART 1

PART TWO

But, because this a blog, let me describe my experience for you in words.

Accra took me and my expectations by surprise.

But, not in the way you may think (lol).

I struggled (and in all honesty I am still struggling) with coming to terms with my expectation vs. the reality. When coming to Accra, I wanted to prove a point to many. I wanted to show that countries in the African continent are more than what we see on the Western Media. They are more than the poverty narrative I for one have grown up with. And because South Africa blew my mind when I’d traveled there previously, I was solid in my belief that Accra, was as large and westernized as any other city in a developed country. I believed this whole heartedly and was set to share this contrasting yet important narrative with the world.

However, my expectations didn’t match up with reality.

Because in fact, Accra IS a city, but a city in a developing country.

But let me make this abundantly clear. There is NOTHING AT ALL WRONG WITH THAT. NOTHING.

I come from a country and region that are developing themselves. They have their ups and downs, but I love them to pieces.

Nonetheless, I still had a narrative in my head that needed to be rectified.

And now, it’s time for me to do the work and ‘unlearn’ what I magically taught myself in my head, and instead replace it with the true Accra, the true Ghana – exactly what is in front of me. It’s for me to embrace it all and envelope it into my experience.

The blame is all on me. 1000%.

The reality of Accra…

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In my opinion (not that I should be very surprised but I still kinda was), Accra has a STARK relation/similarity to my own country and region. (Hence why I can’t say nothing/talk bout da country. ‘Cause fu me own tap da same way). And in growing up in a similar type of society, I know the country may have its struggles, especially when looking with a Western eye. But, if I only switch that perspective, focus in some more, change my lens and my view, I’ll see/uncover/discover this gleaming, vibrant, overflowing richness that is unique to the country.

Something only found within its culture and its people. Something that cannot be authentically mimicked, replicated, imitated or duplicated anywhere else but its home. The place where it originated. It’s like reggae to Jamaica. It’s truly only in its element there, in that space.

Part of me wants to give myself a little slap on the wrist for wearing the wrong lens from the time I landed till now. ‘Cause I feel like I’ve already missed out on seeing a lot from this perspective.

However, I comfort myself in knowing I still have time. To switch out my Western lenses (dash dem in da gyabage) and trade them in for my own.

That of Global Gyal.

The ones that are open to any and everything. The ones that take a step back and allow the people, place and feeling to guide their way, to discover, explore and embrace all there is to offer from the country in its own way.

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From the moment I stepped off the plane

I was greeted by a Ghanian with a huge smile on their face and they told me ‘Akwaaba’.

It means ‘Welcome’.

It’s what anyone who finds out I’ve just arrived tells me too. 

And that alone is special. Because I feel as though it’s an invitation.

A warm, open request to come into their space, and enjoy what their country has to offer in all of its rich, colourful, and unapologetic journey of what it was, what it is, and what it will be. To enjoy the sights and sounds of this place they call home.

Thank you Ghana, for welcoming me to your country.

I don’t think you’ll disappoint.

Stay tuned y’all, cause this is just the beginning.

Yours truly,

Global Gyal