Dr. Kezia Dzifa Awadzi and Dr. Christine (CNN) Lokko, authors, writers, actors and co-producers of “Yankee Wahala” on MyStar Radio, consistently entertain their listeners every Sunday with a new episode. Yankee Wahala is a show that covers the gamut of the funny, bizarre, sad, and at times frustrating experiences of Ghanaian “foreigners”. The show addresses inter and intra cultural relationships, politics, immigration policies, romance, education, and family … anything that adds “wahala” to the lives of Ghanaians living in the United States. Podcasts of the series are available at http://yankeewahala.mystarradioonline.com/episodes/.
Prior to collaborating on Yankee Wahala, the authors jointly authored and published “Changes”, a novel that chronicles a modern-day pen pal relationship through the blogging of two women living on different continents. Awadzi attended Tamale Secondary School, Achimota Secondary School, the University of Ghana and the University of Florida. She is the author of “The Love Ultimatum” and co-author of “Changes.” Awadzi’s latest release “African Girl: The Awakening” is the first in the “African Girl” series. It chronicles Dzigbordi Dzodzorme’s journey of self-discovery from Achimota school, to the University of Ghana and finally to the United States. The heroine, a young woman brought up in a strict home is first unsettled by the freedom her new life offers and must find her own voice in this new world of choices and independence.
“African Girl: The Awakening” also provides a glimpse into U.S. travel and immigration processes prior to September 11, 2001, acclimatization to life in the U.S., and the intricacies of long-distance relationships before email, mobile phones and texting became ubiquitous. The novel is an exciting and educational read for audiences in Ghana and abroad. “African Girl: The Awakening” is published by Afram Publication, Ltd.
Lokko, an alumnus of St. Mary’s Secondary School, Accra Academy, University of Ghana, East Stroudsburg University and West Virginia University, is the author of “Adventures of Elizabeth Sam”, a favorite read for young adults in Ghana and abroad. The novel is a collection of ten stories that captures the adventures of five inquisitive adolescent children. This page turner brims with surprises; keeping young readers entertained. The book celebrates long-held values in Ghanaian culture such as obedience, courtesy and family. Children instantly connect with the characters, while educators appreciate the book because it teaches ethics, social studies and geography. It is also a good resource for English courses. “Adventures of Elizabeth Sam” is for readers in grades six and above.
Lokko writes the popular Trinity High series. The latest release, “Trinity High: Investigation Galore” is the third book in the series. The novels are set in the last years preceding the exodus of the old educational system, allowing current readers the opportunity to relive an important part of the nation’s educational history and to appreciate the challenges involved during the transition period. The novels are addictive; filled with mysteries and adventure as the heroine and her friends skillfully and stealthily navigate the boarding house jungle. The author introduces advanced diction that allow young readers to improve their vocabulary.
The Trinity High series is influenced substantially by Ghanaian culture and places premium on our cultural heritage. CNN Lokko is the author of “Trinity High: Students in Crime”, “Trinity High: Back to School”, “Honeymoon”, “Sally”, “Homecoming”, and co-author of “Changes”. “Trinity High: Investigation Galore” is published by Afram Publication, Ltd. Awadzi and Lokko are first cousins, creative partners and best friends. The duo are embarking on a Ghana book tour in October and are excited about visiting institutions across the country. For media enquiries, or to invite Drs. Awadzi and Lokko to an event, contact cnnawadzi@gmail.com.
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