How To Be Ashanti For A Day
A crash course in navigating Akwasidae in Kumasi, Ghana
The Akwasidae festival is a commemoration of ancestors and a celebration of the Asantehene, traditional ruler of the Ashanti Kingdom of Ghana. Fun fact, “Ashanti” is a westernized style of the name for one of Africa’s most well known dynasties — the real name for the Kingdom is “Aseante” pronounced the same way. Akwasidae happens every six weeks in Kumasi and is one of the most important festivals on the holiday calendar. It is probably one of the best ways to get a real understanding of the Ashanti and be a part of it even for a day. We had the chance to join a member of the Royal Family who graciously showed us the ropes. Prince Charles of the United Kingdom was even in attendance…levels. Here are four tips for navigating the festival and feeling like an Aseante — if only for a day:
Invest in really fly sunglasses, rap video levels.
The biggest accessory we spotted (beyond epic level Kente cloth) was very, very, cool levels of sunglasses. From Versace to Warby Parker, vintage to current, everyone had amazing eyewear on deck. It’s warranted given the sheer amount of time you’ll spend outside during peak sunshine and the aesthetic is also a vibe. Form and function on deck.
Squad up, literally.
One of the biggest parts of the Akwasidae celebration is the procession of families, or “clans”. Music, drums, and even traditional horns usher in chiefs, sub-chiefs, and family members. Each clan comes in with the chief shielded under an incredibly ornate umbrella made of silk, velvet, and other rich fabrics. Important chiefs have the largest umbrellas which can fit up to 10 people, everyone else has to rely on sunglasses and melanin to keep themselves comfortable. important chiefs are very large and can accommodate upwards of 10 people. The person carrying the umbrella is major keys to maximum usage, called the kyinie kyimini, he thrusts it up and down and twirls it around to create air circulation for the chief underneath. As a person trying to be in the true spirit of the Ashanti, it’s advised that you too squad up. While your Target-purchased umbrella might not have the same effect, rolling with your 10 homies to take it all in is a good idea.
Learn to move your hips.
Music is a major part of the Akwasidae festival serving as the backdrop to the procession and a key indicator of which part of the program you’re on. While the men largely stand around re-connecting and making deals within clans the queen mothers and female performers have a hip moving dance on lock. If you’re really trying to be apart of the culture join the band in a dance circle and get those hips rocking back and forth.
Show up in style.
While you may not have the finest Kente cloth in your wardrobe, err on the side of still putting yourself together properly. Resist the urge to be that tourist wearing khaki’s and converse still being respectful of the moment. Grab a nice kaftan or some linen, get that shape up or those braids fresh, and pair your outfit with some stylish but comfortable flat shoes and you may just be invited into the family yourself. The Akwasidae is an occasion worth celebrating so just as the community bands together fellowshiping and delivering their harvest to the king, you should also act accordingly.
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