Author: Dagny Zenovia

  • My First Time At Night With The Kiz Stars In Accra

    My First Time At Night With The Kiz Stars In Accra

    As you may know, social dancing continues to be a gift that keeps on giving in my life. From the community to the music to the different dance styles, there is so much to learn and grow with, if you are open to it. I had the pleasure of attending Kizinfinity‘s Night With The Kiz Stars, #NWK23, in Accra. They planned to provide back-to-back enjoyment, and they did not disappoint. The festival included tours to the Central Region, Eastern Region, and Greater Accra, plus dance workshops and parties focused on Kizomba. Here, I would like to share with you a mini-recap of parts of the program I attended, what stood out to me, and why you need to come and support the next one. Let’s indulge, shall we?

    The Program

    I only attended the dance workshops and parties.

    To begin, the opening party was at Soho at Marina Mall. The DJs provided a nice mix of traditional Kizomba, Salsa, Bachata, Urban Kiz, and Afrobeat fusion. The guests were giving what they needed to give.

    Next, the workshops, parties, and performances at Wiggles Bar in the Trasacco area. This covered two days.

    The workshops were enjoyable and provided a nice variety of style and fun. Each session went pretty fast. I really appreciated that the instructors included some tips for technique within their choreography routine. I also liked the tips on mindset that some of the instructors shared: set your intention to come to dance with your enjoyment as a priority + share your smile and fun with others.

    The performances! Ok, I can’t post all of them…and I promise I’m not playing only favorites…but these were lovely.

    These are only a small glimpse. Make sure to check out Kizinfinity for all the videos and photos.

    Finally, the beach party at Trophy Tavern.

    The Organizing

    I really appreciate how Kizinfinity dedicated time and effort to organize this program. Communication is one of the most important factors that can make or break an event. NWK23 had a separate Whatsapp group for all guests to be notified of announcements, ask questions, and share event related content. Leading up to the event, Kizinfinity shared (1) a calendar schedule with activity, location, and attire information, (2) short form videos for details on the location, what to explore in and around Accra, and attire inspiration, (3) and an IG live to answer questions, introduce special guests, and reiterate the activity schedule. During the event, Kizinfinity shared in the Whatsapp group welcome messages to guests traveling to Accra, branded text images as reminders for what to expect on each day, and announcements for schedule changes. While on Instagram, they shared branded professional video recaps for each day. At the end of the program, heart-felt “thank you” and “goodbye” messages were shared all around in the Whatsapp group.

    The branded media was also on point. There was one official photographer, Kidjo Photography, and one official videographer, EriCarL Appa, covering this event. That is a big deal for one person each. First, timeliness. They both delivered edited media in a very short amount of time, considering how much photos and footage they must have taken. Second, they both did a great job in showcasing the program authentically. I know I am not the only person who sometimes might give a discreet boombastic side-eye to event photos and videos that seem to only show certain angles and cuts to make the event look bigger or better than it actually was. The photos and videos above genuinely represent the size, fun, and hype that this program had. You can see more of the photos on their Facebook page.

    The Kizinfinity team also did justice to the level of hospitality Ghanaians pride themselves for. At any given moment during the program, they were checking in with and showing up for their guests in person and online to make sure everyone was comfortable and having fun. As a guest, you came not feeling as if you were attending an event alone, but instead, feeling as if you were a star among a family of wholesome stars.

    A few activities inspired me to envision a remix for that activity. Are you open to hear my insight? Are you sure? It’s not by force.

    Ok. This is only an imaginative suggestion. Take what resonates with you and, if you choose to, implement it in the way that feels aligned for you. Here we go…

    We had one activity where we were taught a dance to do with a traditional African drum. It was fun and an intense workout for some, me included. This got me thinking. I understand the sentiment to incorporate something to showcase traditional culture, especially for the guests who traveled to Accra for the event. Since the majority of the guests are African, could we take more creative license with the traditional African drum? Ok, hear me out. Imagine this. We have the drum / dance instructor with 10 additional different drums. Everyone who wants to participate gets a chance to play one of the drums. The activity begins with learning the significance behind each type of drum and certain rhythms. Then we are taught a 2 or 3 part rhythm to play together. Simple enough to get the hang of it quickly, but a little complex to be interesting. Those who are not drumming are given the challenge to dance Kizomba (or some variation of it) to the rhythm the new drummers were taught. We go maybe 2 or 3 rounds so the new drummers also get a chance to dance, if they want to.

    Do you see how beautiful such an experience could be? Looking at the types of people who attended this program, by all means some will add there own singing or special effects to the rhythm. In this way, you are able to incorporate traditional culture with the theme of the program plus provide an opportunity for creative collaboration, which would seamlessly flow into the next workshop dance activity.

    It’s an idea. Flow with it. I’m sure you can add more to make it work better for you.

    Things We Can All Take Note Of For Social Dances / Festivals / Fiestas

    Venue

    For social dances in general in Accra, I have observed how finding and convincing a venue to participate can be tricky. Most of the time, the venue is a restaurant / bar that has agreed for the social dance to occur on a day they either have low traffic or have customers that will see the social dance as free entertainment. As the social dance community in Accra continues to grow and evolve, I hope and trust more quality venues in Accra continue to recognize its value and continue to enhance the experience. That way, there can be more venues that provide the right floor for dancing, temperature control or relief, comfortable seating, appropriate music equipment, and genuine interest in the dance community.

    Timing

    There is a fascinating need to balance the intricate dynamic between CP time (Colored People Time), GMT (Ghana Man Time), and scheduled time. During this program, the organizers, instructors, and DJ’s were ready at the time they were scheduled. The opening party was scheduled for 8pm on a Wednesday. At 8pm on that Wednesday, the music was playing and the floor was ready. The workshops were scheduled to start at 4pm on Friday and Saturday. At 4pm on Friday and Saturday, the music was playing and the instructors were ready. However, the guests were not all ready. This was not as much of a glitch for the parties, but this did cause a change in schedule for the workshops.

    I understand that some guests come to these festivals only for the dance parties, which is fine. However, for the ones who sign up for the workshops, we can do better. On the organizer side, it might be beneficial to have more of a gap of time between the workshops and parties, but again, that is dependent on guest attendance. Would it make a difference if program tickets were divided for parties only and workshop + parties to get a better sense of who will attend the workshops? How can we entice guests to show up closer to the start time? On the guest side, if a program has already demonstrated they are punctual, why keep them waiting for you? Would a different time schedule work better for you?

    I feel we can create a win-win situation for all sides. It will get there eventually.

    Etiquette

    Kindness and boundaries are important and should be respected. This is something that came up during this program (and has come up a number of times in social dancing in Accra in general), so it stood out to me. This is not to generalize or indict anyone, but I feel as a community, being more open in communicating how we are making an effort to ensure this is a safe community for everyone is beneficial for all of us.

    Kizomba is a fun dance. There are variations of it that can make the dance more intimate, which requires balancing each dance partners comfort zones. Up to this point, I have primarily danced as a “follow.” The main glitch I have experienced and witnessed is a mismatch in understanding and a mismatch in accommodating or correcting when a boundary or request is articulated.

    This is not to single out one particular gender or one side of the dance. “Follows” are also capable of overstepping boundaries or being a mismatch. Sometimes, a “lead” does not know there is an issue because a “follow” did not articulate it or speak up. For all of us who are supportive of this community and genuinely are not here to cause harm, I feel we can create a win-win situation. We can all continue to hold space for each other to learn and evolve our comfort zones, articulate our boundaries, look out for each other, and accommodate different requests and styles without feeling concerned about being judged or ostracized.

    What To Expect At Night With The Kiz Stars, NWK

    If it is not already obvious, you can expect back-to-back enjoyment at Kizinfinity’s Night With The Kiz Stars. A diverse community who share a common passion for dance and fun. A program that is organized, intentional, and understands the assignment. An experience in Accra that is different from your typical night life or tourist attraction. Memories that you will cherish forever. An opportunity to “show dem.”

    Thank you to the Kizinfinity team and the dance community. I am looking forward to the next one.

    Are you coming? Let me know in the comments.

  • Am I Too Much For Social Media?

    Am I Too Much For Social Media?

    As the generation that has experienced the most changes in technology advancement in the past 4 decades, we have a bit of wisdom on how to navigate social media. In this episode, we share how our experience with social media has evolved, where did social activism go, and how to be intentional with your “why.” Let us know what you think of the episode.

  • It’s Giving At The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

    It’s Giving At The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

    Let’s go outside! Did you know the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum is now re-opened to the public? Would you like to know what to expect? I had the pleasure of visiting the newly renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum on a beautiful and sunny Saturday afternoon. I also picked up a few observations and thoughts I wanted to share with you. Let’s indulge, shall we?

    First, logistics. As of the time of posting this, the ticket prices are as follows:

    Regarding the renovations, I feel they did a beautiful job in enhancing and redefining the space. The moment you walk through the entrance gate, you meet a large Welcome sign and a profile illustration of Kwame Nkrumah. You feel as if you are being transported into a full dedicated experience. Uplifting music is playing nearby. On the day that I went, people of all ages were enjoying their time as they took photos and explored.

    Yes, the sky was actually this blue and beautiful on a Saturday afternoon in July. Lucky me.

    The reception hall is decorated with a pleasant blend of minimalistic clean lines and Ghanaian colorful culture. The high ceiling and large windows make it feel spacious and refreshing. Depending on when you go, there might be a bit of a line to purchase your ticket.

    The architect behind the new design, who is Ghanaian, was able to enhance the park with a signature millennial aesthetic by creating multiple spaces that cater to ambiance, easy photos and videos, and history in a relaxed and pleasant vibe. The fountain sings a different upbeat song every hour. The garden is lush and green. All the architecture doubles up as the perfect backdrop. It is giving what it needs to give.

    Now, for the museum. This is where I feel there is room to do a lot more.

    There are two parts to the museum. Upstairs, you walk through a hall. The floors, walls, and ceiling are black with quotes from Kwame Nkrumah written in gold font. As you are walking, you hear in the distance Kwame Nkrumah’s voice as he speaks announcing Ghana’s independence. At the top, there is a screen looping the video of that speech. Downstairs, you walk through a room to view key points of Kwame Nkrumah’s life. This room includes photos and artifacts.

    This is where I feel a lot more can be added. For me, walking through this room felt as if I was reading facts from a Wikipedia page or encyclopedia. They were all factual, but they did not include any context. For example, on one side of the room, there are images of Ghanaians celebrating Kwame Nkrumah as president. On the other side of the room, there are images of Ghanaians celebrating tearing down Kwame Nkrumah’s statue. There is nothing in the middle to explain these two extreme positions. As another example, there is long blocks of text listing all the factories, schools, hospitals, industries, and initiatives Kwame Nkrumah developed and established. Again, no context on what that did for Ghana.

    Are you open to hear my feedback on what would help with this? Are you sure? Ok.

    I feel details on what Kwame Nkrumah’s writings were about are important to showcase in the museum to better illustrate what his definition and thoughts were on Pan-Africanism, Ghana, freedom, etc. The gap between independence and coup d’état should include details of the CIA’s involvement, the Ghanaians who participated in it, and the historical use of the illusion of democracy vs communism propaganda. The image of the “big 6” should include details on who among them were involved in the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah and how since that day Ghana’s presidency continues to only involve the families of the “big 6” with a few breaks in between due to military coups. It would be cool to have an infographic depicting every industry and initiative Kwame Nkrumah established illustrating when it was opened, how it impacted Ghana, when it was closed or destroyed, and who was responsible for shutting it down.

    I feel the library, which at the moment of this post is an empty room and will most likely be completed later, should have copies of Kwame Nkrumah’s books available to read physically and on screens.

    Ok, ok. I hear you. This might be too much pepper. But I believe we can handle it. We deserve it.

    To be transparent with you, I did not go to school in Ghana. I see what Ghana represents inside and outside of Ghana. Outside, Ghana is a beacon of hope for Pan-Africanism, freedom, and liberation. Outside, Ghanaians are respected for their work ethic, culture, achievements, and hospitality. Outside, Kwame Nkrumah is a legend. Inside, Ghana is hard paa…depending on which bubble you exist in. Inside, Ghanaians are divided, distracted, enjoying, and progressing. Inside, Kwame Nkrumah is a list of dates, depending on whether your family supported him or not.

    None of these things are good or bad. It is what it is. Please understand that I am not trying to instigate insults or belittle anyone’s experience. But, do you see why it is so important to make Kwame Nkrumah’s full story be accessible to all? Yes, this park is a tourist attraction. So, it is an opportunity to set the record straight. I’m sure this will not interrupt US-Ghana relations. But also, this park is one of the few places in Accra to learn an aspect of Ghana’s history. Ghanaian students should be going on field trips to visit this park. Does Ghana’s school system teach the full story? These students should be able to come to the park and learn how strategic one needs to be to make a difference for their people. Or do we still want to make sure no one can pick up from where Kwame Nkrumah left off?

    I understand, everyone is tired. But, your children are not. They will grow up and hopefully say no to the enemy of progress one day. Why not give them the tools to develop that confidence now?

    Again, this is an intellectual and social conversation, respectfully. I am keen to hear different perspectives on what this could look like. What are your thoughts? Share with me in the comments. I love hearing from you.

    Also, make sure to visit this park. It is definitely worth the visit.

  • Self-Help Games: Avoiding Success Paralysis

    Self-Help Games: Avoiding Success Paralysis

    We know we are not the only ones who have spent countless time and energy absorbing self-help books, TEDx talks, and masterclasses searching for answers. Did the Chicken Noodle Soup book series also have you in a chokehold at one time? How many masterclasses (original or not) have you yet to complete? There’s no shame here. Let’s talk about it.

    In this episode, we share our experience with self-help content, including challenges with finding stories that reflect our reality and discovering our own answers to wisdom and success.

    Let us know what you think about the episode.

    If these conversations resonate with you, please subscribe to our podcast. It is streaming on Spotify, Google, Apple, Pocketcast, and Afripods.

  • I’m Neurodivergent. Now what?

    I’m Neurodivergent. Now what?

    Neurodivergent is a non-medical umbrella term that describes people with various mental functions where their brain processes, learns, and behaves differently from what is considered “typical.”

    We like to consider neurodivergents as mutants who deserve honorary status in X-men.

    In this episode of the Curious and Cultured podcast, we share our experiences learning about neurodivergence, discovering we both are on the spectrum in different degrees, creating routines that accommodate our beautiful minds, and discussing movies we feel showcase neurodivergent characters in a way that is wholesome.

    Note, neither of us are psychology or medical experts and are not giving medical advice. We do hope and trust this episode encourages you to accept yourself more and think out of the box when it comes to holding space for others and yourself.

    As I mentioned in this episode, I first came across the term neurodivergent in this article about rejection sensitivity. Rejection is a normal part of life and we all experience it in different degrees. However, as I continue to learn how to understand myself, I have noted that I internalize these types of feelings more intensely then my peers. The experiences that article shares was the first time I felt seen in my own experiences with my need for information, tendency to isolate and overestimate situations, anxiety, challenges with reading social cues, masking for the comfort of others, and overthinking to an intense spiral effect. This lead me to further exploring neurodivergence beyond learning abilities.

    With the amount of information that is now available about neurodivergence, it can get overwhelming and confusing to understand what is considered “typical”, what is a one time experience, and what is something that needs intentional accommodation. Since this has to do with our brain functions and how they are felt, I feel a lot of this should be seen as fluid. Maybe you resonate with a mixture of functions within the neurodivergence umbrella. There is no need to try to fit in one box. Instead, I prefer to explore and use this information to better understand myself and others, be more accepting of myself and others, and develop tools and routines to care for myself and others.

    Here are a few things that have helped me along this journey of being a wholesome mutant:

    • Accept and believe that I am not defective or a burden.
    • Maintain that I am not a victim in my life and no one is a villain in my life.
    • Take full responsibility to be my biggest cheerleader and best friend.
    • Research information to explore possibilities and gain understanding, not to fixate on a problem or diagnosis.
    • Create routines and experiences that resonate with me and align with my needs.
    • Become comfortable with prioritizing my needs. For example, stepping away from a crowd to soothe anxiety, ask for help or feedback (and be open to receive it), and/or embrace healthy solitude and rest.
    • Explore and lean into my unique strengths and talents.
    • Journal as often as needed.
    • Accept not everyone will understand, and that’s ok.

    I hope you found this episode helpful. What are your thoughts? What would you like to learn more about neurodivergence?

    Do you find terms like neurodivergence helpful for individuals and the collective? Does it provide the vocabulary and context needed for us all to be more considerate and responsible?

    Let me know in the comments. I always love hearing from you.

  • Crash Landing On K-Dramas

    Crash Landing On K-Dramas

    Are you obsessed with K-Dramas? Or are you obsessed with K-Dramas? In this episode, we share how we started watching K-Dramas, which shows pulled at our heartstrings, and what makes the South Korean film industry special.

    Did you know K-Dramas are not only dramatic romances? Would you like to have a hologram as a friend? How can we create media that is authentic to the culture and build a cult international following? This episode will inspire you to explore more K-Dramas and view films in general in a new way. Enjoy!

    You can check out where else the Curious and Cultured podcast is streaming here.

    So, what did you think of the episode? Which are your top 3 K-Dramas to watch? Share with me in the comments.