The 25-year reign of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was celebrated through choral compositions by seven choir groups across the country as they battled it out to win the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Composers Competition.
The contest held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Friday, April 5, 2024, saw the groups proclaiming the unparalleled leadership of the 16th king of the Asante Kingdom in melodic tunes.
The event began with performances from guest choirs including the Akoo Show Choir and the Winneba Youth Choir as well as the host choir, the Kumasi Evangel Choir.
The Kumasi Evangel Choir, through their craft, enthusiastically praised the King, highlighting his distinct rule.
The competing choral groups took their turns on stage to showcase their impressive lyrical prowess beginning with the Tarkwa Crusaders Chorale who congratulated the King for his contribution to peace and harmony in the entire country and sought the blessings of God for him.
The Tema Mass choir afterwards took over the stage, proclaiming the leadership of the King warrants accolades.
They sang, “God bless you for your good governance and good deeds. Asanteman and Ghana are grateful.”
Infiltrating the stage with their colourful traditional outfit to add a sense of tradition to the event were the Tamale Youth Choir.
The group used three dialects including Dagbani, Twi and English as they expressly highlighted the wisdom of the King which they likened to a river and mountain as well as the integrity and fairness Otumfuo has upheld in his leadership.
The Bantama Youth Choir were next in line. Clad in “Dansinkran”, they expressed their gratefulness to God for giving Asantman and Ghana such a King.
Also mounting the stage, the Obuasi Herald’s Choir preluded their craft with an ode and hailed the King as the “man”.
“Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, God bless you for bringing to past what was merely the dream of your forebearers and forefathers. Well done on your immense wisdom. You have brought glory to Ghana,” was the lyrics of the Kasoa Youth Choir.
The Amammere Youth Choir flowed to the stage dressed like Asante Queen mothers and testified of the legacy Otumfuo continues to build in his name.
The Tamale Youth Choir and the Obuasi Heralds Choir were eventually pronounced the winners.
Speaking to opemsuo.com after the event, the composer of the Tamale Youth Choir, Samuel Dowaana Mensah, said the song was inspired by the evident achievements of Otumfuo.
“The Asantehene, not just for Asante Kingdom, is the only king in Ghana. The level with which he has led the people makes us know that, indeed he is worthy to be praised. In the 25 years of his reign, a lot of things have happened. How he disciplines chiefs who err, the love for his people and all that played a role in the song’s composition.”
The wife of Otumfuo, Lady Julia Osei Tutu II, under whose auspices the event was held, in her remarks thanked the composers, sponsors and audience for their presence.
“Hearty congratulations and thanks to the organisers of this special event for uniting talented music makers and choirs nationwide. The beautiful songs and voices make this day truly special. My heartfelt gratitude to all the composers, your compositions are all special and will be etched in our minds and stay on the tip of our tongues for years to come, they are a true testament to your talent and dedication. All your compositions beautifully honour 25 years of Otumfuo’s rule and I urge you to continue creating beautiful music for our beloved country.”
Present at the event were the King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; Lady Julia Osei Tutu; traditional authorities; the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon Asenso Boakye; the Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson; former Chief justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah; and others.
Source: Manhyia Palace
