The coronavirus pandemic has brought untold misery on humanity but there are some positives to it.
For artistes like Wiyaala, being ‘locked down’ at home has really enabled her to embark on certain activities she would ordinarily have not been able to do.
In a press statement she wrote: “As if by magic, I was able to do things in Funsi, which would never have been possible if I had spent months on tour in Europe.”
Check out a list of things she did with her time during this coronavirus period:
1. I’ve been able to mentor my Girls & Boys Club to stage a performance for the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. The club also made a short movie for children and we collaborated with Rafiki Jazz and Sarah The Sufi on Nduggu Bouy, a music video about climate change and desertification of the Sahel.
2. I’ve drilled a borehole for constant flowing water. Funsi is built on rock and we have an underground river contained within the rock. The relationship between rock, sand, water and human beings, I have explored in my song, “Rock & Sand”.
3. With the help of the Funsi community, we built an Arts Centre to hold events and festivals. As soon as we can, we will put the Djimba World Festival back on again.
4. I’ve also upgraded some buildings in Funsi to create the “Wiyaala Guest House & Restaurant”.The official opening will be soon. Already we have hosted many visitors including Drew Binsky, Wode Maya and Berla Munday.
And Drew even bought a cow to say thank you to Funsi for our friendly hospitality!
5. Throughout the year, I’ve worked with UNICEFGhana, Wateraid Ghana, BeBetter Mentorship, The European Union Song Contest and on promo campaigns with Ghanaian brands Royal Farmers Rice, Golden Drop Vegetable Oil, HD Plus Ghana, Everpure Water and the GW Ventures African Collection. I’m grateful to all of them and always happy to endorse Ghanaian business.
