Chico Bean, the renowned American comedian and actor has dismantled prevailing misconceptions about Africa, emphasizing the warmth and hospitality he experienced during his visits to Ghana.
In an exclusive interview with Y 107.9 FM’s “Dryve of Your Lyfe” with Kojo Manuel, Chico Bean addressed a common misconception held by many Americans about the people in Africa.
“A lot of Americans have this misconception that Africans don’t like us, and I just say that’s the Africans in America,” he stated, challenging the preconceived notions that some of his fellow countrymen hold.
Growing up in an environment marked by the persistent sounds of police sirens and people yelling, Chico Bean contrasted it with his experience in Ghana. “In my neighborhood, the environment I grew up in, there was never a night I didn’t hear police sirens all night, people yelling. I came over here, and it was still. It was peaceful. The people were so nice,” he shared highlighting the serenity and warmth he found in Ghana.
Reflecting on his first encounter upon arriving in Ghana last year, Chico Bean recounted a heartfelt moment that challenged his skepticism. “When I first got off the plane last year, it was a brother that was greeting people off the plane. He was like Chico Bean, welcome home my brother, and I was like you know me? I didn’t believe he knew who I was,” he recalled.
Chico Bean expressed his surprise and gratitude for the overwhelming love and recognition he received from Ghanaians.
“People who are from businessmen to just the people selling stuff on the side of the road. There’s so many people that recognize me from what I do, and it shocked me that I had that much love over here,” he added.
Chico Bean further confirmed his decision to return to Ghana, as “another great decision.” In addition to offering a personal perspective, his account dispels common preconceptions about Africa held by certain Americans and calls for a wider appreciation of the kindness, generosity and true acceptance he experienced in the centre of the continent.
