Ghanaian Reality TV: A Behind the Scenes Glance

Wednesday afternoon, I am home from work due to orders from the doctor to rest for 3 days. I had visited him on Monday due to a number of symptoms that could have been malaria. To appease Maya and to ensure it was nothing, I went and got some tests done. The results: all negative. Clearly my body just hates me! Anyways, not sure what was going on with me but after sleeping for 15 hours on Monday night/Tuesday, I felt much better. Wednesday I worked from home.

All of a sudden Kersten comes into the kitchen from her office. She tells us that she just received a call from her friend Paolos. He produces a reality tv show called People and Places that focuses on tourism in Ghana. Essentially they follow Obrunis around as they do touristy things throughout Ghana. He was looking for a couple of people to attend the Ghana vs. Namibia game the following night. The catch: they would have to be a part of the show.

So AK and I agreed to do it. Why not, a free game was involved! Paolos came to the house to meet me and that night called and asked if I could go film some stuff shortly. We went to the field where the Namibia team was scheduled to practice, but they were a no show. So we filmed it as if we showed up and their no show meant they were scared.

Next day: plans change. Of course. We will no longer be going to the game as they are saving that for the following episode. We will be going to the Fan Zone instead that night and filming some stuff around the stadium with all the merchandise. Are we still interested? Sure why not.

AK and I are picked up around 3:30pm to head to the stadium. We go and get interviewed by a DJ spinning some music. We look at some merchandise as if we're interested. I get to interview some Cameroun fans and translate their answers. Then it's off to have a beer and watch some of the Guinea vs. Morocco game before we head to the Fan Zone. Once we arrive, we are filmed walking into the Fan Park, after the goal, and as we leave at the end of the night. All in all absolute hilarity. It is fairly staged, the camera did not simply follow us throughout our experience, so that was really nice. We determined what we would say each time before we shot and then improvised from there.

We still have to record our diaries at the studio soon. When the show is complete, we were told that we would be able to get a copy. I can't wait...It's going to be hilarious.

Chow Boyyyy! (Warrior cry) Go Blackstars Go! Go Ghana Go!