The Asantehene of the Ashanti Empire sits in state in Memphis

The biggest traditional Dubar ceremony in Memphis, meant to unify, honor ancestors and pray for the prosperity of the land and people.

The ceremony included an entrance parade for the king, song, and dance, and gift offerings on Beale Street today! The Asantehene sat in state. #memphis

"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.

Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will attend the Memphis in May Festival for its salute to Ghana.
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."

Our culture is so beautiful 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭
the seeker ghana
university of memphis
asante kotoko
otumfuo memphis