"I probably don't have to tell you how intense this whole trip was for me, but I will say thank you again for all." - DJ Slim Macho

Kakum Rainforest

Tafi Monkey Sanctuary

Wli Waterfallls

Common Lizard

Akatsi Market

Ledzi in Action

Kids in Dzogadze

Apetorku Festival, Dagbamate

DESTINATION
Located in West Africa, Ghana is one of the few English speaking countries in the region. Besides being easy to navigate, it is also one of the safest and most stable countries in all of Africa.

It is also a place I am intimately familiar with, which is why this trip will give you access to experiences you won't find anywhere else.

Equally as warm and inviting as it is rich in culture, Lonely Planet boasts that Ghana might be considered "the country with the friendliest people in West Africa." It is also a role model for the rest of Africa in terms of democracy, political stability and economic development. But it is Ghana's people, with their hospitality and amicable nature, that are perhaps its greatest assets.

Our time will be spent primarily in the Volta region (southwestern Ghana, bordering Togo). The Volta Region is the home of the Ewe speaking people who have some of the most intense drumming and dance styles in all of Ghana. This is the music that we will be living and breathing. It is also an area strong in traditional religious practices which we will also experience.

ACTIVITIES
This trip will take you into the epicentre of Ghana's traditional life and culture with:

-daily drum/dance/singing lessons with local experts in the amazing village of Dzogadze

-trips to areas of natural beauty including Kakum National Rainforest Park, Tafi Monkey Sanctuary, Wli waterfalls and more (see photos)

-unique access to traditional ceremonies, funerals and musical performances in surrounding villages. These are things no guide book will ever tell you about!!

-visit to the haunting slave castles of Cape Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

-opportunities to learn the Ewe language as well as historical and cultural information

-visits to the amazing local markets where you can buy anything from drums to cloth to goats to dried lizards!!

-an experience you will never forget!

LIVING, LEARNING
Accommodation will be in the semi-remote village of Dzogadze, where I have forged strong connections. In fact, I helped to build a school there which you can read about on other pages of this website.

You are invited to come and live among the people and in doing so, you are helping create new opportunities for people in this village as several different services will be rendered by locals (teaching, cooking, laundry and more).

We will be staying in the newly renovated compound of my good friend (and your future teacher) Ledzi Agudzemegah.

Ledzi has extensive experience teaching music and dance to non-Ghanaians. Further, he is one of the nicest and most sincere people you will ever meet. And my best friend in the country.

Joining Ledzi in teaching will be his cousin and another good friend of mine, Oliver Torgboh. He also shares the same experience in music/dance as Ledzi and also has taught many non-Ghanaians.

And of course, yours truly will be there every step of the way to facilitate as awesome an experience as possible for each of you.

AN INSIDE LOOK
Besides the exceptional lessons in music, dance, language and history that you will receive, one thing I strive to do is introduce you to some amazing ceremonies that will occur during the time of your visit. This includes funerals in different villages (funerals are where most traditional music/dance occur) and special performances by cultural groups in other villages.

But of special note is the annual festival of renewal at the shrine of the god Apetorku in the village of Dagbamate. The shrine of Apetorku is one of the most popular and powerful in the region and is a prime example of the traditional religion of Africa. This annual festival, which occurs around the time of Easter, is one of renewal, love and kinship and sees thousands of members of the shrine return for 1 week of confessions, offerings, wake-keepings (all-night music/dance) and feasting.
Through me (an adopted son of this village), you will get an inside look at this incredible festival and the spiritual life of the people.
THIS AIN'T NO TOURIST SHOW!!!