Accra, Ghana01/24–03/24

Naa Teki Lebar

Hot air and sticky skin. A fine layer of sand settles over everything in the studio. From the church next door, I hear Mariah Carey, while a child rocks on a squeaky swing at the kindergarten next to the studio. The weather is humid, the city loud, music plays somewhere all the time, and time feels relative.

Under the trees at FCA, I get bitten by mosquitoes while enjoying lovely conversations. Thanks to the support of Adwoa and Ato at FCA, I’m well-connected, with events, openings, and more to attend almost daily. Studio visits, film screenings, walks on the beach, the sticky sea air, reading on the balcony, listening to the city, the conversations, the food… it’s wonderful to be here.

1. My stay in one word: 
  exciting
2. Dos & don’ts in this place: 
  Do: When ordering Kelewele, ask for the very sweet, soft plantains :)
3. Things I miss since I am no longer there: 
  That would be an extremely long list, but to sum it up: old & new friends, spontaneity, ease, nice conversations during taxi rides, the food, the language, my grandma, the view from the studio with the palm trees swaying in the wind.
4. Where to shop great supplies: 
  Acrilex, but I’d recommend bringing everything needed for work.
5. What you should definitely bring with you from home: 
  I can’t think of anything you couldn’t buy in Accra… but maybe a plug adapter for arrival.
6. Concerning art at this destination and where I visited the best exhibitions: 
  Nubuke Foundation, Gallery 1957 – no exhibition, but I liked the library at the Dikan Center.
7. Around the studio – where I shop, drink my coffee and get the best lunch deal in walking distance: 
  I bought small things at the shop across from the hotel, The Mix for brunch, The Shop Accra sells homemade Sobolo juice, Kukun if I wanted to be around people & have iced tea, and sometimes I had lunch at Roots Flavour Bar and Restaurant (across from FCA).
8. Where I like to spend the evening (dinner, drinks, best sound and networking opportunity): 
  On the balcony or the rooftop terrace of the studio, The Republic, Alley Bar.
9. What would have been useful to know before coming here and starting my residency: 
  I was well-informed :)

 



Website resident:              naateki.co.uk

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