The 75th birthday of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, attracted a vibrant gathering of royal family members and other well-wishers to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Among those paying homage was the Otumfuo’s granddaughter, Amma Prempeh, a distinguished BBC journalist and producer of Ghana’s Kente feature film, whose visit coincided with the traditional Awukudae observance.
She was pleased to present a unique commemorative gift – a $25,000 Jeffrey Okyere Agyei’s Sankofa Kente artwork, representing the importance of learning from the past.
“Granpa wasn’t expecting me in Ghana, so he was very happy and surprised about my visit,” an excited Amma stated.
The gathering provided an opportunity for Amma Prempeh to brief the Asantehene on her widely acclaimed documentary about the royal fabric, ‘Kente,’ which has been screened across the Americas and Europe.
Her film, “The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians and Black Africans,” is Ghana’s first Kente culture story documentary production. It was first premiered in Kumasi on August 26, 2023, and later screened in Accra on September 10, 2023.
The self-funded documentary delves into the origins, intricate artistry, captivating history, and enduring beauty of Ghana’s iconic Kente fabric.
It highlights how Kente weaving supports local communities committed to preserving its history, development, and commercial aspects.
The documentary also explores Kente’s evolving role in human rights activism.
Through Amma Prempeh’s tireless advocacy, Kente achieved significant international recognition.
UNESCO officially recognised Kente as an Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 4, 2024, during its 19th session in Paraguay.
Kente’s remarkable durability, complex designs, and profound aesthetic appeal contribute to its rich symbolism and diverse interpretations, representing not only Black identity but also Africa in a broader context.