Today, on Sunday, May 12, 2024, marks the culmination of festivities honoring the 25th Anniversary of the reign of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Revelation regarding why the Breman natives are prohibited to sing appellation to the Otumfuo During Akwasidaekese emerge.
This momentous occasion, known in the Asante calendar as Akwasidae, holds profound significance for the Ashanti people. Rooted in tradition, Akwasidae, meaning ‘the day of the sacred stool’ in the Ashanti language, symbolizes unity and strength, as it venerates the sacred stool, a vital emblem of the Ashanti community.
Akwasidae unfolds in two distinct parts: Adaekɛseɛ and Adaetɔkye. During Adaekɛseɛ, the revered gold stool is prominently displayed, inviting homage from all. This ceremony serves as a tribute to past kings, invoking their blessings upon the community. Preceding Akwasidae, the eve is marked by Memeneda Dapaa, where elder women of the Stool convey symbolic songs to the palace grounds, enriching the ceremonial ambiance.
In January of this year, the inaugural Akwasidae, Adaetɔkye, was held at the majestic Manhyia Palace, setting the stage for a year-long celebration. The grandeur of the occasion is further amplified by the presence of chiefs from across the Asante Kingdom, who converge to pay homage to Asantehene. However, amidst the jubilation, certain traditions endure, such as the prohibition for the people of Breman to sing an appellation to the Otumfuo during Akwasidaekese, reserving such gestures for times of war or grief.
Reflecting on the significance of these customs during a live telecast of the durbar on GTV, historian Nana Frimpong elucidated the rationale behind Breman’s reserved tribute, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of tradition woven into the fabric of Akwasidae. As the festivities unfold, they serve not only as a celebration of a remarkable reign but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of unity and tradition within the Ashanti community.
Why Breman Natives are Prohibited to Sing Appellation to the Otumfuo During Akwasidaekese according to GTV Historian
In the olden days, he (Asantehene) would have been going for a war. That’s why they give him an appellation which says ‘You’re the only one we fear. It is Osei alone we fear’. They will also tell you it’s a taboo to meet Osei on his way to Breman.
If you don’t meet him on a good note enroute to Breman, you’ll miss your head. That’s why they sing the song ‘Santrofi anomaa, wohyia no a, w’ahyia mmusuo’. So, he usually goes to Breman with only a few of his chiefs but all his executioners because he has never been to Breman on a lighter note. So, in a happy day like this, Breman is not mentioned. That’s why Breman people did not sing today. If he was to be mourning or doing something so dangerous, Breman people would have sang, he revealed.
