Asante king to visit Memphis in May
Memphis in May International Festival announced Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will participate in this year’s festival, which will honor the Republic of Ghana.
The king will visit during Memphis in May International Week from May 2-8.
“There already is a great deal of excitement and anticipation for the salute to Ghana, the sixth African nation honored by Memphis in May International Festival,” said James L. Holt, Memphis in May president and CEO, in a news release Thursday.
“We are truly honored to welcome the Asantehene to Memphis, Tennessee.”
Tutu II is the 16th Asantehene — or Asante king. The Asante Empire (also spelled Ashanti) is a constitutionally protected sub-national traditional state in the Republic of Ghana. He will be joined by a group of chiefs representing all regions of the kingdom.
During his time in Memphis, the king will meet with government and business officials as well as visit local attractions. He will be attending a performance of “Ghana Live Riches and Rhythms” at the Orpheum Theatre on May 5.
In celebration of his 72nd birthday, the king will also attend the Black Star Black Tie Gala on May 6.
Additionally, he will deliver a speech to college students at a campus to be determined. Memphis in May originally planned to honor Ghana in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was delayed
His visit will conclude with a traditional Dubar ceremony, meant to unify, honor ancestors and pray for the prosperity of the land and people. There ceremony will include an entrance parade for the king, song and dance, and gift offerings on Beale Street on May 8.
The last royal visit to the Memphis in May International Festival was from the Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu during the festival’s salute to New Zealand in 1991.
Astrid Kayembe covers South Memphis, Whitehaven and Westwood. She can be reached at astrid.kayembe@commercialappeal.com, (901) 304-7929 or on Twitter @astridkayembe_.