Andy White – I have some news for you. Not only will Madagascar be the next big thing in football due to the generous donations from my friends, colleagues and family, but they might also become the best guitarists on the planet and sweep up all the folk awards – whatever awards there are for folk…or maybe they’ll be more interested in rock, but whatever the weather, they LOVE the guitars I bought for Akany. Locally-crafted in Tana, I got a nice deal on two beautifully toned guitars. Now every kid at Akany wants to be a rock star. Some are keen to get technical, learn the chords and build up their callouses – others ignore my instructions on chord formations, but have excellent natural strumming technique so they just sit back and imagine themselves sounding really really good.
But to build up those callouses takes time and I remember what it was like ie. HURT LIKE HELL and it still does if I don’t pick up a guitar for a while. So it’ll be slow going and there may not be time for everyone to have a go, but I’m so happy to be making some of them feel a wee bit rock star. Even before the formal lessons, I’d take the guitars onto the lawn in front of the volunteer house and leave them with their audience of each other, strumming away tune-lessly but all eager to have a go “Because I’ll DEFINITELY sound better than her” and then not sounding any better but loving the five minutes of fame.
A mighty good investment for the entertainment and happiness of the children at Akany. Thanks for your donations everyone!
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