Meet Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene.
“Otumfuo,” in the Asante language, means “All Powerful Majesty.” “Asantehene” means “King of the Asante.”
Those are the titles of the dignitary from West Africa who is in Memphis this week to represent his home nation of Ghana as the Memphis in May International Festival celebrates what it calls (perhaps redundantly) “International Week” — a time to contemplate the festival’s “honored country” instead of barbecue and Megan Thee Stallion.
Since his “enstoolment” in 1999, the Asante king — who will celebrate his 72nd birthday Friday in Memphis — has occupied what is called “The Golden Stool.” Symbolically represented in silhouette on Asante or Ashanti flag, the Golden Stool is a literal object, carved from wood and inlaid with gold, that represents “the royal and divine throne of kings of the Ashanti people and the ultimate symbol of power,” according to the African American Registry, an online database that covers “African American heritage in the world.”
The king is the 16th Asantehene and a direct descendant of the first, who founded the Asante Empire in 1701. A powerful state that resisted British colonization until the very end of the 19th century, the empire’s former territory is now part of modern Ghana, a presidential republic. Still, the king is an influential figure, the leader of close to 2 million Asante in south-central Ghana. According to a Memphis in May press release, “His platform as King focuses on furthering peace among the region and developing the education, economy, and health of His people.”
Accompanied by his “stool attendants,” along with various princes, “divisional chiefs” and “paramount chiefs representing all regions of the Asante Kingdom,” the king has a busy Memphis schedule, starting with an event labeled — as if in a nod to the Oscar-winning movie — “The King’s Speech.”
Here’s a list of the major International Week events that the king will attend:
- The King’s Speech: “Contemporary Challenges in United States and Africa Relations,” 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, University of Memphis Michael D. Rose Theatre Lecture Hall — The king will discuss “the current challenges between the United States and African Nations.” The event is free and open to the public.
- “Ghana Live! Riches & Rhythms,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, the Orpheum — A celebration of “the fascinating dance and musical traditions” of Ghana, with performances by the National Theatre of Ghana and Okyeame Kwame, a specialist in a musical style known as “hiplife,” which fuses hiphop with the traditional Ghanaian rhythmic jazz-dance music known as highlife. Tickets are $20.
- “Black Star, Black Tie Gala,” 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Renasant Convention Center. A dinner, silent-auction fundraiser and party in recognition of the king’s 72nd birthday. Also present will be Hajia Alima Mahama, ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the U.S. Gala tables are available; a single ticket is $350.
- Durbar Ceremony, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Beale Street. The royal visit culminates with a traditional Ghanaian “Durbar Ceremony,” conducted by the king, to “honor ancestors, cleanse society and pray for the fruitfulness of the land and the welfare of the people.” Food, dancing, music and more will be available.
Source: Commercial Appeal
