The Untold Story of the Kɔkroanya Horn Group of Asanteman
If “Nkɔntwema,” “Kɔtɔnonko,” “Ntahera,” “Amoakwa,” “Nkrawoben,” and “Akoben” are excluded, the Kɔkroanya horn group will still be part of the King of the Asante Kingdom’s entourage during outings.
Just like its name suggests, it cannot be left behind no matter what. It is one of the regalia of Asante that never leaves the side of the King in all his official duties. Even on his trips outside the country.
It is one of the seven traditional horns of Asante.
Background
This horn group- numbering seven- was established under the reign of Otumfuo Opoku Ware as compensation to a group of Denkyira Dwokwaa royals who migrated to Kumasi in search of a solution to the barrenness of the only female of the family.
The head of the royal family, Nana Gyakari, his sister Akosua Darkwa, a maidservant, and other family members left Denkyira Dwokwaa because Akosua’s barrenness, which had cost her her first marriage, posed a serious threat to their matrilineal lineage.
Their migration to Kumasi was informed by a tip off that the solution to their problem could be found there.
Their first port of call upon arrival in Kumasi was the Palace of Otumfuo Opoku Ware where they made the official introduction and served notice about their mission.
Out of goodwill, the King entrusted the family’s welfare to his uncle, the Nsutahene, who provided them with a place to stay in Nsuta Amoaman.
In the course of time, the Nsutahene developed romantic feelings for Akosua Darkwa and proposed marriage, a move that displeased Gyakari and created tension between them.
Amidst the enmity that developed between the two, the Nsutahene ordered the maidservant of Gyakari to be beheaded.
In response, Gyakari sought justice from the Asantehene, informing him of the wrong committed against his family.
As compensation, Otumfuo Opoku Ware brought the family closer to the royal court by assigning them an honourable role.
He established the Kɔkroanya horn group and entrusted its responsibility to the descendants of Akosua Darkwa, who later gave birth to three children: Obaasem, Manu, and Mansa.
Types
You find seven different people playing the Kɔkroanya horn to usher in the Asantehene; however, there are four divisions with designated roles.
There is the “Seseɛ” {the sayer} which is played by only one person; the “afrɛ” {callers} blown by two individuals; the “agyesoa” {responders} attended to by three blowers; and the “bosoɔ” {reinforcer} played by one.
Tunes
The group has a number of tunes they play. Popular among them is the ‘Kankane repɛ etwie ayɛ woanya’, to wit, the civet cat would like to be the leopard but it’s just not in its nature. This tune symbolises the desire of others to be like the Asantehene, a privilege they can never attain.
Another notable tune is Abosom akoterɛ (The Chameleon), which is used to praise the King.
Position
In a procession, the Kɔkroanya horn group precedes the Golden Stool or the seat of the Asantehene.
As royals of Denkyira Dwokwaa, members of the group retain the privilege of keeping their shoulders covered while blowing the horn, a symbol of their noble status.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini/Kwame Akosa
