From Kingston, Jamaica to the guts of West Africa, Jo- Ann Richards Goffe’s story of dwelling in Burkina Faso is nothing in need of extraordinary. Guided by a collection of vivid goals and divine “God-incidences,” Jo-Ann adopted a calling that took her removed from residence however introduced her nearer to her function.
On this episode of Jamaicans to the World, host Xavier Murphy, founding father of Jamaicans.com, sits down with Joanne to discover her journey as a Jamaican dwelling in Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation wealthy in tradition, music, and non secular heritage.
A Journey That Started with a Dream
Jo-Ann didn’t plan to dwell in Burkina Faso. In actual fact, she barely knew something concerning the nation till a dream, a prayer journal, and a shocking fluency in French (in one other dream) all pointed her in that path. After becoming a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators, Joanne started coaching in ethnomusicology, ultimately main her to Burkina Faso to work immediately with the Senoufo individuals, one among over 70 ethnic teams within the nation.
Life Among the many Individuals of “The Land of Upright Males”
Regardless of language boundaries, Joanne discovered the individuals of Burkina Faso to be heat, beneficiant, and deeply group oriented. From their prolonged greetings (you could ask about everybody together with the cat and canine) to their distinctive funeral and village customs, Joanne immersed herself in a tradition that values connection over comfort.
She additionally shares a memorable story of attending a village assembly the place she was anticipated to sip a communal drink earlier than discussing a caught car, proof that hospitality comes earlier than enterprise.
Music, Ministry, and the Balophone
As an ethnomusicologist, Joanne helped native musicians create scripture-based songs utilizing their very own languages and conventional devices. One such instrument, the balophone, a five-note wood xylophone-like instrument, options prominently in her musical work. Her ardour for preserving tradition and music shines by way of as she discusses collaborating with each church {and professional} musicians in Burkina.
Bob Marley on the Border
Being Jamaican in West Africa got here with perks and sudden surprises. Jo-Ann recollects being requested to sing a Bob Marley track on the Benin border earlier than being allowed to enter the nation. From Ramadan mornings crammed with “One Love” to nationwide celebrations of Marley’s birthday, it’s clear that Jamaican music made a huge effect.
Meals, Religion, and Friendship
Jo-Ann embraced Burkina Faso’s culinary choices like Tô (a millet-based dish served with inexperienced, typically slimy, sauce comprised of baobab leaves or okra) and shared how a lot she missed Jamaican meals, particularly patties. She additionally made lasting friendships and continues to remain in contact with the individuals who helped her regulate to life there, together with her pastor and musical mentor.
Share Your Story!
Are you a Jamaican dwelling, elevating a household, or doing enterprise overseas? Or are you married to a Jamaican or a Jamaican married to a non-Jamaican? We wish to hear your story, e mail us at [email protected] and allow us to share your expertise with the world.
