This story is based upon my experiences living in Kwabena, Ghana while working for a non-profit program supplying Aids education to middle and high school students and their surrounding villages. On the day of the blackout, with zero ambient light coming from nearby cities or towns, the darkness was unbelievable. I looked up and it was genuinely like I had never seen the night before. I could see the entire milky way galaxy brimming with stars and swirls and colors I had never known existed. As I watched the sky, I noticed a woman walking up to the village pavilion in the darkness. When she reached the center of the pavilion she began to sing. Soon more had joined her, until it seemed as if the entire village was singing in 500-part harmony.

I did not know the song, but it did not matter. I had seen God.

While I am an illustrator, I believe a Ghanaian and/or African American artist should be used to fully honor the people, and the country that so greatly influenced my life. As such, should this work be published, I plan to provide as much of the proceeds as I can back to the charity that inspired the story, The Sankofa Center.

Pitch: NIGHT-MAGIC (PB, Fiction, based on a true story) Tonight, is the blackout, and twins, Kwame and Ama, can’t wait! Villages throughout the region take part to ensure Ghana has enough electrical power, and tonight is their turn. Their Grandmother, Nanabaa, always makes it so special! Ama has a plan to surprise Nanabaa. This time, when they welcome the Night-Magic, it will be more magical than ever!

My story introduces readers to a majestic and rich culture. Framed by real-life events I experienced while living in Ghana, Ama provides readers with a glimpse of her daily life and activities and takes us on a magical journey full of beauty, family, and creativity. 

This story takes readers on a journey through a very real culture with a rich heritage that most have not read about or experienced. It is important to bring new cultures to a Western audience to inspire tourism and charitable relief for the areas that need it most. My first-hand experience of Ghana was eye opening and life changing, and I hope to share the love, joy, and hope I saw in it's people.

Back Matter Exerpts from MS:

You’ve Got Power – Electrical power in Ghana is generated by hydropower. Hydropower, or Hydroelectricity, is when flowing water is converted into electricity. In Ghana, hydroelectricity is generated by the Volta River as it rushes through the Akosombo dam. The Volta River is not generating enough electricity to cover the growing number of people in Ghana’s major cities. To find ways to improve their electrical shortages, Ghana built two new dams, and has turned to alternate fuel sources, such as oil and gas, and to other neighboring countries. Despite these improvements, Ghana is still in an energy crisis. To meet the growing demand for electricity, electrical companies periodically turn off services within a region. This is called a rolling blackout, or “dumsor” in the native language, which means “off and on”. In 2019, this practice has increased over wider regions, and for a longer duration. Ghanaian’s call this “dumsaa”, meaning off for a considerably long time, or off all the time.

If you are interested in reading the full manuscript, please contact me. Please reference NIGHT-MAGIC in the subject of your inquiry so that I can provide you with immediate assistance. I put my heart and soul into every piece I work on, and I hope that it shows.

I thank you for your interest in my work!