Kyekyeku, a well-known movie star, recently appeared on Accra 100.5 FM’s Entertainment Capital to discuss how the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, serves as a major inspiration for the innovative spirit flourishing in the Ashanti region.
Host Prince Benjamin (PB) explored what motivates the people of the region to break barriers and pioneer new paths.
During the interview, Kyekyeku passionately spoke about the influence of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, referring to him as “Ote Kokooso” (the one who sits on gold). The movie star emphasized that the King’s impact transcends borders, sparking creativity and ambition on a global scale. According to Kyekyeku, Otumfuo’s leadership alone drives the people of the Ashanti region to strive for greatness.
Over the years, Kumawood, located near Otumfuo’s Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, has defied expectations by nurturing and showcasing talents, propelling many actors to national and international recognition. The region is also the birthplace of the Kumerican Drill or Asakaa music movement, which has garnered attention worldwide with hits like Yaw Tog’s “Sore.”
Acknowledging this genre shift, the Recording Academy of America recently rebranded it as Ghanaian Drill and included it in the Grammy Awards under Best African Music Performance.
Despite Accra’s dominance in the creative industry, Kumasi shines due to its unparalleled ingenuity despite limited resources. Kyekyeku and his colleagues are pushing Kumawood onto social media platforms like YouTube and venturing into movie production. His debut film, “1957,” premiered in Kumasi and delves into Ghana’s tribal dynamics post-independence, promoting unity and cultural appreciation.
Featuring industry veterans like Aka Ebenezer (Dr. Likee) from Kumawood and Kalsoume Sinare from Ghallywood, the film aims to bridge the rural-urban cultural gap, symbolizing the enduring creative legacy of the Ashanti region.
