We need a massive annual festival to project our beautiful tradition & culture every year, It does not always have to project our culture with a funeral – Fante Quoo
Popular radio presenter and host of Kessben Drive, Fante Quoo, has made a passionate yet respectful commentary on the recent outpouring of tradition, culture, and royal grandeur during the Asantehemaa’s funeral rites.
While commending the remarkable display of heritage, he raised a point that has resonated with many across the country.
“We need a massive annual festival to project our beautiful tradition and culture every year, but it does not always have to project our culture with a funeral,” he said humbly on air.
The Asantehemaa’s funeral, as expected, drew nationwide attention. The ceremonies were marked by rich cultural symbolism, from the regal kente and traditional drumming to the solemn procession of chiefs and dignitaries.
The event showcased the splendor of Asante culture to both Ghanaians and the international community. However, it also reopened discussions about the role of funerals as cultural spectacles and the emotional and financial weight they place on communities.
He emphasized that while funerals are important rites of passage and occasions to honor legacies, they should not remain the dominant or default setting for cultural expression.
The Ashanti Kingdom, with its rich traditions, holds a powerful place in Ghana’s historical narrative. The funeral of an Asantehemaa, by custom, is an unparalleled cultural event. But as Fante Quoo suggested, this prestige could be extended beyond mourning periods.
Imagine an Annual Cultural Festival of Asanteman, showcasing traditional regalia, music, dance, food, and storytelling, not in sorrow, but in celebration. Such an event could become a staple on Ghana’s cultural calendar, attracting local and global audiences and preserving cultural practices for younger generations.
