How Fontomfrom Tune and Dance Ignited Elegance at Fifth Akwasidae Festival
With the same level of splendour as always, the fifth Akwasidae Festival highlighted the beauty of fontomfrom music and dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Asante Kingdom.
The event was held on July 6, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
It was the intricate footwork and symbolic gestures that took centre stage and stole the show at the festival.
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was adorned in traditional attire, including kente cloth and gold jewellery, symbolizing the status and wealth of the Kingdom, took his seat in state.
His Majesty was joined by chiefs to receive homage from royals and guests who had joined the auspicious celebration from across the country and beyond.
Among the guests were the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) as well as the Asante Students Union (ASU) branches at the University of Ghana, Legon and St Monicas Training College, Mampong.
After receiving the tributes, the King signalled the players of the royal drum locally known as the “fontomfrom” to set the cadence.
The rhythmic beats of the drums echoed with the revitalizing and invocative rhythm of the drums, the Palace dancers, traditional authorities and others with the privilege did justice to the beat.
The dancers used the rhythm to communicate the reverence and greatness of His Majesty through intricate footwork and gestures.
To express his delight, the Asantehene gave the nod for the mpomponsuo sword to be waved in circular motions above the dancers’ heads- a sign of his approval.
Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
