Overheard on a Chapa

First I’m sure you are all wondering what the hell a Chapa is???

A Chapa is the most popular form of public transportation in Mozambique.  Essentially a chapa is a large van that people pile into to travel from one place to another.  You can take chapas very short distances as well as extremely long distances.  The chapas normally can fit 14 people comfortably…however there is often many more people crammed into these vans.  There is NO personal space whatsoever…and you have to pray that there will be a good breeze otherwise you won’t only be crammed in with people but you will be mad hot as well. 

While riding on the chapa there is the potential that you can hear/see some very interesting things.  So I thought it would fun to share with you what exactly can be overheard on a chapa.  As my Portuguese gets better I will be able to share more things that I overhear on the various chapas that I use to get around Mozambique. 

The first story doesn’t need language translation…it was simply a young boy, probably about 8 or 9 years old singing the chorus to Alejandro!  Yes, the Lady Gaga song Ale, Ale, Alejandro! When I first heard it, I thought for a second but then decided that I didn’t really hear him singing it.  But after really listening to him I realized that he was indeed singing Alejandro.  And it was literally heaven.

Hearing this boy sing “Alejandro” made me think about the impact that Globalization has had on Mozambique and the rest of the developing world.  Globalization has done so much to stifle and harm local communities and the environment.  It has pushed on the developing world western and mainly American ideals and businesses over those of the local community and culture.  And while doing that it has often destroyed the environment and exploited people and communities.    

But after hearing that young Mozambiquan boy singing the latest Lady Gaga song, Alejandro, I can’t help but think that maybe globalization isn’t all bad.  I mean isn’t life a little better with GaGa around?  Quite possibly.  Actually…it is…for me at least.  GaGa’s music, lyrics, message, and image are a powerful testament to freedom, originality, equality and positivity.  And can’t every place in the world use a little more of these things?    

So when I wake up in the small Mozambiquan village I have been staying in for the last 2 months, and hear “Bad Romance” blaring from a neighbor’s house, a huge smile comes across my face.  I secretly thank god for some globalization and I feel GaGa, and all that she stands for.  And because of globalization other Mozambiquans can feel GaGa too!

Peace, love and GaGa