Reggie Rockstone, in a recent interview on Property FM, expressed his belief that Ghana’s popular delicacy, waakye, should be the focus of efforts to showcase the country’s identity on the global stage.
He emphasized the need to shift our attention away from the ongoing Jollof rice rivalry with Nigeria, as it has already been claimed by Senegal.
According to the rapper, singer, and dancer, it is time to celebrate and promote Waakye internationally, highlighting its distinct characteristics and unique flavours. Reggie Rockstone voiced his concern over the neglect of waakye, a dish deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture.
“Jollof doesn’t belong to us; it comes from Senegal. Our own food, Waakye, has been neglected, and we’re rather fighting others for what belongs to someone else.”
Reggie Rockstone further highlighted the distinct qualities of waakye, drawing attention to its rich flavour, unique preparation methods, and cultural significance. “When you look at waakye’s features and special effects that surround it and you compare it to Jollof, you’ll realise Jollof is nowhere near Waakye,” he asserted.
The musician called on Ghanaians to unite in championing Waakye and showcasing it as a symbol of Ghana’s culinary excellence. “Instead of arguing with Nigeria over Jollof, let’s prioritise Waakye, which comes from Ghana in high esteem.”
Waakye, a traditional Ghanaian dish, is a delightful combination of cooked rice and beans. While it is typically enjoyed for breakfast or lunch, some individuals prefer it for supper. The rice and beans, often black-eyed peas or cow beans, are cooked together with red dried sorghum leaf sheaths or stalks and limestone.
These ingredients lend the dish its distinct flavour and vibrant red appearance. Before consumption, the sorghum is removed from the dish. The term “waakye” originates from the Nigerian Hausa language and translates to “beans.” It is a shortened version of the full name “shinkafa da wake,” which means rice and beans.
Roadside vendors are a common sight for purchasing waakye. Typically, the dish is wrapped in a banana leaf and served alongside various accompaniments such as Wele stew, boiled chicken eggs, garri, shito, vegetable salad comprising cabbage, onions, and tomatoes, spaghetti (known as talia in Ghana), or fried plantains.
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