Efua Theodora Sutherland (1924–1996)

Voice in the Forest draws upon the traditional fairy tales and folktales of Ghana. Unlike most traditional tales which seek to explain one thing, this story explains several things and practices; the mandatory rest day for farmers, the founding of a village and why calling children bad names is wrong. It’s ambitious. And yet it captures and holds a child’s attention so completely.

First published as Tahinta! and Vulture Vulture! Two Rhythm Plays for Children by Efua T. Sutherland, the audiobook edition illustrated by Edmund Opare is an irresistible invitation to join the young narrator as he moves the story along with the encouragement of the chorus. The children of Mmofra Foundation’s Language Club perform the audiobook version, featuring Nii Noi Osuteye as the boy, Maria Bossman as the father, and a group of Language Club members as the chorus. The Adehyeman Group show more provides the percussive beat which carries the story.

Tahinta is a story with a beat. It is about a boy went fishing in the River Birim. He set his fish-trap in the water. He cast his net but when he drew it out, it was empty. He began to look unhappy. But just when he was getting ready to go home, something came walking across the river. You will find out what it was. show less