By Rebecca Ekpe
Pictures of the British and Hollywood Actor Idris Elba are making waves on the internet after he joined one of the revered traditions of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom.
Idris was at the Manhyia Palace on Sunday, February 6, 2023 to witness culture at its best and experience the splendor of Akwasidae in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
Akwasidae is a magnificent festival of Ashanti centered on ancestral reverence, remembrance and acknowledgement of past kings and noble feats.
3 News Reports that thousands of people gathered at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to pay homage to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, as part of activities to mark the first Akwasidae of this year.
It was marked with drumming and dancing amidst exchange of greetings, presentation of drinks and other pleasantries.
Otumtuo Osei Tutu entered the Palace in a palanquin dressed in a kente cloth with gold ornaments around his wrists and arms amidst drumming and firing of muskets.
He was followed by the Queen of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Konadu Yiadom.
The Akwasidae Festival is a magnificent Asante celebration centered on ancestral reverence, remembrance and acknowledgement of past kings and noble feats.
Akwasidae serves as a celebration of the Golden Stool and a cultural vibrancy that brings together the Asantehene, sub-chiefs, subjects and dignitaries at Manhyia in Kumasi.
The atmosphere was charged with a lot of activities, which included drumming and dancing and cultural display.
The English Actor had previously held a meeting with President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, in Accra, where he announced plans to produce his first film in Ghana in December 2023. To him, Africa abounds in film talents but what it lacks is studio facility that will appeal to top movie stars.
Idris Elba disclosed that he has been working with some investors for about four years now with plans far advanced to build World Class Movie Studios in Ghana.
