- Multicultural spaces create unexpected connections — a friendly jollof rice rivalry can bridge cultures faster than any formal introduction.
- Food is identity: spotting your country’s flag at a festival is a surprisingly powerful moment of belonging.
- Sometimes the best research breaks are festival food, friendly national debates, and finding community outside the lab.
Today was one for the books! My department at the university hosted its very first multicultural festival, and let me tell you, it was a sensory rollercoaster—colors, spices, music, and enough food to feed a small nation.
There were food stalls from everywhere—India, Poland, even countries I had to Google to pronounce properly. I was doing what any loyal festivalgoer would do: taste everything in sight. Then… I saw it. A stall with a green-white-green flag. Nigeria had entered the chat.
Now, being Ghanaian, you already know what this means—Jollof War time. It’s basically our version of a friendly sibling rivalry, except it involves rice, tomatoes, and national pride.
As I approached the Nigerian stand, the lady behind the counter greeted me with a smile so sweet, I momentarily forgot the culinary beef our nations share. Then she asked the golden question:
“Where are you from?”
“Ghana,” I replied, proudly.
She grinned like she just won a prize. “Ah! Then the jollof debate is over!”
I didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, exactly. Ghana has won already!”
She laughed, but then came with the plot twist:
“What if I were the jollof?”
My brain paused. Was this a setup? A metaphor? A romantic subplot?
I leaned in with a smirk and replied, “Then I guess I’m already served!”
10/10 would go to that festival again—next time, I’m bringing extra spoons and Ghanaian flags.
BreathPharma 
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