The Official Soundtrack for 'Journey To Ghana And Other Stories'
BY CHI CHAVANU ÀSE
We asked Chi Chavanu Àse to curate a Spotify playlist for her first novel, Journey To Ghana And Other Stories and she selected 25 incredible songs featuring Beyoncé, OutKast, Green Day, Missy Elliott and Leikeli47.
“I picked some of these songs because they were fast-paced and contributed perfectly to an action book. There are some fight scenes in the book and some of these songs connect directly with the energy.”
Leikeli47 — “F**k The Summer Up” (feat. Biker Boy Pug)
“This is what I picture playing when Usi introduces her family and herself. She describes everyone’s physical appearance and abilities. It’s overall and very gangsta ass moment.”
Beyoncé — “Hold Up”
“Nanyamaka just found out that the husband she presumed to be dead was hiding out in a community, surrounded by new lovers. In front of the children she has a brave face, but internally she is hurting. Beyoncé swinging the bat in this music video perfectly describes how she wants to tear shit up.”
Bone Crusher — “Never Scared” (feat. Killer Mike & T.I.)
“This is totally a fight song. When hearing this song, I personally want to get thrown out the club, only to act a fool outside.”
Brockhampton — “ Infatuation”
“Nanyamaka is in love with her wife Siya. When they are together the love and infatuation radiates everything they touch.”
OutKast — “B.O.B.”
“OutKast is literally one of the greatest rap duos period. This song is not only a masterpiece, but I envision Nanyamaka fighting in the Great War, with this song playing in the background.”
Twista — “Adrenaline Rush”
“Usi points out that her mom fights best when she is running off pure adrenaline. This song taps into that adrenaline, just listening to it.”
Rihanna — “Bitch Better Have My Money”
“Usi witnessed someone get a beat down from her mother, when they tried to stiff her on a trade. This was a defining moment for Usi in terms of demanding respect.”
Aminé — “REEL IT IN”
“Honestly, this song just makes me want to twerk LOL”
Lil’ Jon and The East Side Boyz — “Bia, Bia”
“This is a fight song. This song is a direct war cry, and should always be seen as such.”
Green Day — “Holiday/Boulevard Of Broken Dreams”
“Through their long journey, many times they wanted to give up. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” easily contributes to their bleak situation.”
Jay Rock — “WIN”
“Where do I begin...? This is one of my favorite songs because it’s hella inspirational. My last semester of grad school I was depleted. I would play this song before going into work... because it was necessary.”
Chance The Rapper — “DRAM Sings Special”
“Throughout the entire book, each story centers on a person with unique abilities. Each person is striving to find out where they fit in, and how to use their powers for the greater good.”
Dreamville — “Down Bad”
“Usi and family encounters a man named Jakoob who won’t leave her mom alone. Nanyamaka allows Usi to fight only because the men Jakoob travels with have no special abilities. This is the song that fits best with everyone whooping ass!”
Jazmine Sullivan — “Forever Don’t Last”
“After Nanyamaka comes to terms with her husband’s betrayal, she is able to start healing. This song personally taps into feelings on change, and out resistance to change.”
Listen to the playlist below or simply click the link.
Chi Chavanu Ase is a science-fiction/fantasy author who was first introduced to sci-fi by her mother at an early age. Often sent to her room for misbehaving, she would curl up in a blanket with one of her mother’s books which subsequently ignited the spark that would fuel her love for literature. She initially began writing and performing poetry at the age of twelve. Over time, she began to notice how difficult it was to find books that she could associate or identify with the characters, given the lack of representation. Thus, it became her greatest desire that little Black children would see themselves represented in every genre, especially sci-fi. Her first book, Journey to Ghana and Other Stories, focuses entirely on the Black experience. Likewise, it is her desire to continue writing stories and producing literary work that Black people can see themselves represented in. Chi currently resides in California with her fine-ass husband and amazing children.