Renowned British actor, Idris Elba has chronicled his trip to the Manhyia Palace during his visit to Ghana as beautiful and captivating.
Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the versatile entertainer uttered that he was astonished when he received an invite to visit Asantehene, who is a huge fan of his, while he was filming his documentary on gold. He was invited to join Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the first Akwasidae of the year earlier in February– a first for him.

Quoting his exact submissions, Idris Elba mentioned, “so I showed up in my jeans. They were like, no, ‘you got to wear this kente cloth’. It was a really fascinating day. I mean, it was beautiful and the tradition was rich.”

He noted that he was nervous when meeting the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the first time especially since he was not familiar with how to keep the Kente cloth stable.

Idris Elba informed Stephen Colbert that, “so when you meet the king, typically what you have to drop the kente cloth shoulder down a little bit and then shake the King’s hand. It’s part of the tradition like a
symbol of respect.”

“This is the first time I’m wearing it and underneath, you just got your shorts on. And my thing kept unravelling. I was like, ‘oh, man, I’m going to meet the king, and it’s going to fall off me and be standing
there in my boxers’.”

@colbertlateshow @idriselba shares his experience meeting the Ashanti king on his trip to Ghana. 👑 #Colbert ♬ original sound – colbertlateshow

The ‘Dark Tower’ motion picture actor said he was glad he didn’t have any mishap occur adding, “I did my thing gently. It was actually a really beautiful time. I don’t mean to make fun of it. It was very beautiful.”

Idris Elba was at Manhyia Palace on Sunday, February 5 to pay homage to the Asante king Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III during the Akwasidae.

© 2023 • Edem Latsu Nukafu