Sing Song Siah
> 2010 – We were on the road to Cape Coast in Ghana.
Our guide, Samuel (whom I didn't like very much right from the start) decided that we need an activity for the 3 hour ride. We felt like we HAD an activity: sleep.
He said “We shall sing!” And ALL rolled our eyes. So, Samuel belts out the first chorus... and it's strangely appealing:
Afiiii
ViaViimelahh
Duagoo
Duagoooo
Afiiiii
Via viimelaahh
Dua-goooo
Dua-goooo
Agoo-Nam-me
Agoo-Nam-me
Piapepamento
Agoo-ooh-ooh
Agoo-Nam-me
Agoo-Nam-me
Piapepamento
Agoo-ooh-ooh
One by one, Samuel chided us each into singing and, one by one, we joined in.
Before long, we were laughing and singing our hearts out. We were like the partridge family or something. I guess all we needed was a tambourine.
The song is about knocking and getting married... but who cares... the best part, and I guess the part Samuel realized when we didn't, is that even now, if we are together and one of us sings in a low voice: “afiiiii”. The rest just jump right in. The room brightens and everyone laughs.
Thanks, Samuel.
Like I say, road trips take time. And they aren't about the destination. They are about you. And about me. And about our laughter and our tears.
Discuss...
