Article January 1, 2001 ISSUE

Music opened up my life

by Christelle Akué—Paris, France

I've learned wonderful things about the various cultures of the world, by listening to different types of music. For example, once when I lived in Togo, I attended a wedding with friends of my family, and I saw my fellow countrymen singing hymns in a Baptist Church. What a great thing to see people of all ages, and all social classes, singing about the Lord's wonders in unison! The choir members sang, clapped their hands, and danced to the rhythm of the piano and drumbeats. The whole congregation smiled; they seemed filled with inspiration. I saw this as a magnificent expression of spontaneity, joy, and energy.

These qualities are described in certain Bible verses, that I find especially helpful and inspiring. "O come, let us sing unto the Lord ... Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms," it says in Psalms (95:1, 2). And "Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works" (105:2).

I also enjoy listening to the melodious sounds and words of certain African songs. King Mensah, a popular singer from Togo, plays traditional Togolese music with "tam-tam," and other African instruments. There's a song of his I like very much. It has exceptionally good music. And I think that the lyrics have a message of hope for me and my fellow countrymen. It's called simply "God Says."

We are all God's children
 God has not created anyone
 to suffer. Do you understand?
 If good times are not yet here
 Just ask for health and a
 long life.
 For some, happiness comes in
the morning,
For others, it comes in
the evening.
 If yours is not yet here,
don't complain, don't cry.
 Be sure to know your happiness is coming.

If you think about it, music is able to improve human nature. At least, I think it has helped me become a better person. Whenever I listen to music from around the world, I try to adjust to new sounds. I think it's a way of opening your mind, and not staying set on what you are used to.

Listening to songs from Latin America and Northern Africa has enabled me to learn more about cultures that were completely foreign to me. It has helped me overcome preconceived ideas about people and countries.

For example, when I lived a short time in New York City this year, I discovered "salsa" music. I liked it a lot. It reminded me of African and Creole rhythms. When I heard salsa, it made me want to get to know Latin Americans, whose culture was unknown to me. And then I had the opportunity to meet people from Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic at the language center where I was learning English. It was such an enriching experience. And it helped open up the world to me.

About the author

Christelle was born in France and moved with her family to Togo, in Africa, when she was ten. Two years ago she returned to France, where she now lives.

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