In bygone years, though not too distant ago, national holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and of course the big one my birthday used to stress me out. I hate to be alone (just the Koroma family, four ladies and myself). Who to invite and how many? Will they come on time? What will they drink and how long will they stay? Is my house clean enough or will they come at all as promised? Will those that offer to bring food be on time and if yes is it freshly cook or is it something that has been sitting in the car trunk while they visit all the people that extended invitations to them?
The food and music were always my least worry. While, because Mrs. Linda G. Koroma loves to cook and she is a great cook. Linda as a cook is second only to my grandmamma, Mary Tucker. Linda learned to cook in Kambia while teaching at Kolenten Secondary school and in Mambolo. How about the music you might ask. Nah, that too is covered because every African/Sierra Leonean coming to your house has a bootleg CD or cassette in his or her car. However, should that fail there is always a plan "B". All I ask of my invitees is to come with an open mind. I usually prepare my music menu a month in advance. So with that in mind allow me to lend you a helping hand with the music and beverage. You are on your own with the food. This article is for people who want to be different, classy but economical. Yes, a lovely evening with friends at the house can be done with class.
Beverage
I am not going to waste my time talking about Stout or beer. I have never acquired a taste for them or bothered with them. In addition, I know that most Sierra Leoneans know their way around them. My focus here is on the music since the thanksgiving holiday is a day of celebration and rest. However, if you have to look all over the house for the music then you will not rest. Mix the music from all over Africa just like the food is of all varieties: fufu, cassava leaf, jollof rice etc. Here is my recommended list of artists which provide an eclectic taste of African music.
Mama Africa the very best Miriam Makeba , Kofi Olomide, Sierra Leone refuge all stars, Mighty Sparrow "Barack De Magnificent", Ikenga Super Stars Of Africa "Greatest Hits Vol. 1", Fela " African Lady," Kosmos " special Kosmos dans Tabali 1981/1982", Magic System "petit pompier", Africondo " Aurlus Mabele "best of Aurlus Mabele remix", Compilation: African Decale Vol.1, Generation Ya Foye Vol. 1 or 2", Petit Pays "Ekamofok", Oliver N'Goma "Saga", Hugh Masekela "Hope", The Best Of Soukouss, J.B. Mpiana "live Bercy 2001", Youssou Ndour "le Grand Bal a Bercy", Felix Wazekwa "Que demande le people", La Bible du Makossa Vol. 1, 2, 3 will do it, Le Testament du Makossa any Vol., The Best of King Oliver De Corque and his Expo 76 Oregene Sound Super of Africa, Djouna Big-One "tonnere de brest," Best of Freddy de Majunga, Delta Force de Pepe Kalle "Confirmation" Just put all of this into your computer and sync them into your iPod. The next action will be to look for the shuffle command and press it. Press play and find a safe place to place your iPod. You are done. Most of these CDs can be found at Pan African Allstars.
I am surprised at the number of Sierra Leoneans, especially women who drink wine these days. Yes wine is good for you according to scientists. Moderation, one or two glasses a day. Please do not drink and drive. That is why I am recommending that you stay at one party and not go from one place to another. Since most African dishes are spicy and laden with palm oil, red wind pairs better with the food. I am biased toward red wine as that is the only kind I have a taste for. I love the color. But wine can be expensive. Here is the trick. Do not buy wine from the corner store but find a discount outlet (Wine World for example). Stay under $10.00. You can do it; in fact I stay under $7.00. If you go above $10.00 you are wasting your money because the spice from the food will enhance the taste.
I usually stay in California or Australia for my wine experience but the sky is the limit. Please let me know how your evening at home with friends went. Let me know your Christmas holiday music selection. |
