Today we’d like to introduce you to Ishmael Konney.
Hi Ishmael, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
It all commenced in Ghana when my father established a Traditional Folk Band named “Modin Sane.” At the tender age of 11, he instructed me to practice with the band and join them. Thus, I began by playing the bell, an instrument crucial for tracking and maintaining the tempo of the rhythms. The bell holds significance in the folk band as it ensures that every instrument stays synchronized tempo-wise.
Over the years, I transitioned through various percussive instruments and eventually assumed the role of the master drummer within the band. Subsequently, I became involved with a drumming and dancing group called “Shidaa Cultural Troupe” to delve into the musical accompaniments of our traditional dances. This marked the pivotal moment I developed a profound connection with the dances. Understanding and knowing the intricacies of the dances was essential for playing the rhythms, identifying breaks, and navigating rhythm changes; my aspiration to become a musician solidified during this period, fueled by my enjoyment of music and active participation in various groups.
Upon applying to the University of Education, Winneba, to pursue music, fate intervened when I was mistakenly placed in the Theatre Arts Department instead of the Music Department. Despite contemplating a switch to music, I decided to embrace the unexpected and remain in the Theatre program. As fate would have it, many of the department’s productions required dances, and with no permanent dance instructor at the time, I was entrusted with teaching these dances. Leveraging my background in drumming and dancing, I successfully instructed my peers in preparation for productions. Gradually, I began participating in dance performances and ultimately pursued a major in creative dance.
Following graduation, I sought to develop my skills further as a dancer and joined the esteemed National Dance Company of Ghana at the National Theatre of Ghana. There, I immersed myself in mastering the company’s repertoire and performed for numerous local and international choreographers, including Prof. Zelma Badu-Younge, who recruited me to Ohio University in 2018. Subsequently, I completed my Masters in International Studies at Ohio University and embarked on the MFA in Dance program at Ohio State University. I am an Assistant Teaching Professor of Dance at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, a role I assumed upon attaining my MFA degree in dance. At BSU, I teach and choreograph dances for the Department of Theatre and Dance students.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The initial obstacle I encountered was the culture shock. Perceptions and norms differ significantly between Africa and the United States, necessitating a considerable adjustment period. However, with time, I gradually acclimated to these differences. The greatest hurdle was being separated from my family by millions of miles upon relocating here. Additionally, navigating life in the US as an international student presented its own set of challenges. Adherence to strict regulations, such as limitations on work hours, added another layer of complexity. Nevertheless, I approached each challenge as an opportunity for growth and adaptation, striving to overcome or find comfort within them.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work focuses on promoting the Ghanaian cultural identity, and every project I embark on will be under the auspices of this research. My immediate research explores the intersectionality between Ghanaian cultural practices and contemporary dance. I am deeply committed to infusing my work onstage and offstage with the rich tapestry of Ghanaian values. My exploration centers on traditional Ghanaian storytelling, a multifaceted practice encompassing music, dance, and theatre—areas in which I possess extensive training. So, you can think of my research as a pyramid scheme, where the main idea at the top births multiple interests. Every new interest is, however, tethered to the main idea at the top. I specialized in choreographing and teaching dances rooted in Ghanaian culture. I take immense pride in the comprehensive immersion of my students in various facets of Ghanaian culture, spanning dance, music, storytelling, and cuisine. Rather than solely focusing on dance instruction, my objective is to provide a holistic cultural experience for my students. This approach distinguishes my teaching philosophy from others, as it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ghanaian culture beyond the realm of dance alone.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I know very little about Memphis. I was supposed to be there in January for the IABD conference but could not because of a conflict. Hopefully, I visit Memphis soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: ishmaelkonney.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishyundre?igsh=MWF6ZDhqdGF1dGZ1dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000373124414&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fairgapromotion1908
Image Credits
Sean Yuanzhen Nii Tete Yartey Neketa Forde
