The soul and spirit of the music and drumming were Ghanaian, but the feet that moved to these rhythms came from thousands of miles away, from Denmark.
These young people look beyond colour and creed, and are committed to a commitment to make the world a better place.
The young Danes danced to strong Ghanaian rhythms, their lyrics not really familiar, just the calming rhythms that unite souls.
Arhus Friskole
The students of Arhus Friskole, together with some of their teachers, came for a learning and exchange programme in Ghana.
They stayed in Cape Coast and also visited the University of Education, among other places.
In Cape Coast, they stayed at the Addison Square home, where the African Footprints Foundation is hosted.
They enjoyed the serene breeze of the beaches, the people and the food.
The African Footprints Foundation and the African Footprints International in Denmark target uniting cultures using music and dance.
Over the years, dozens of young people in both countries have exchanged cultures and impacted the perspectives of young people around the world.
One of the students, Vigga Lou Hamilton, 14, said she was happy to have experienced Ghana.
I have learnt lots about the dances and the music, and I love the drums.
Ghana is very different.
People party and are happy.
They are welcoming and very open. That keeps me calm,” she said.
Anton Evald, also 14, said he was excited to have been part of the trip.
“I was initially worried about the trip, but I am happy I decided to come. It has really changed my view of the world and life,” he said.
His concern, however, was with the weather. “It’s hot, but you get used to it. I like the food and the culture. We just ate jollof and I like it. Everyone is so nice,” he said.
Yet another student, Eva Rian, said she was beginning to love the Ghanaian dishes more than the food back in Denmark.
“And the people are so lovely. Maybe I will take some of the people’s sweetness back home with me.
A teacher with the group, Marianne Gaardsted, said the exchange programme was an eye-opener for the young people.
She said it was important to connect young people to change their perceptions about life and to help build a more peaceful future.
Danish Ambassador
The Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Jakob Lunulf, said Ghana had great music, dance and culture that has the power to heal.
He indicated that the vibrancy and spirit of Ghanaian music was unique and had been used for sick persons and elderly people in Denmark to bring significant healing and joy to them.
“If different people from different places can sing together, dance together and eat together, then they possibly would not fight each other,” he stated.
He further indicated that dance and music held great connecting power to heal and bond people together and promote a peaceful world for all, saying that he was happy young people from Denmark were connecting and celebrating uniqueness in humanity.
He indicated that Denmark had a project that recognised the immense healing effect of particularly Ghanaian music and dance on persons with some disabilities and special needs towards recovery.
He called for even greater collaborations and linkages to ensure Ghana provided the “good vibes of music and dance” that supported the well-being of many, especially the aged, lonely and sick.
The founder of the Africa Footprints Foundation, Samuel Kwaku Addison, said Ghanaian music and dance held a lot of therapeutic effects, proven to help improve the condition of persons with special needs.
He said the collaboration with other international groups had enhanced bonds between the two countries.
He called for support and more collaborations, saying music and dance spoke a universal language.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh