He was invited to join Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in the first Akwasidae in 2023 – a first for him.
Idris Elba said “So I showed up in jeans. They were like, no, ‘you have to wear this kente cloth’. It was a really interesting day. I mean, it’s good and the tradition is rich.
He noted that he was nervous when he met Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the first time mainly because he did not know how to keep the Kente cloth stable.
Idris Elba told Stephen Colbert “So when you meet the king, usually you have to lower your kente cloth shoulders a little and shake hands with the King. This is part of the tradition as a symbol of respect.
“It was the first time I wore it and under it, you’re just wearing shorts. And my stuff kept coming off. I was like, ‘oh, man, I’m going to meet the king, and it’s going to fall off me and he’s standing in my boxers’.”
Actor Luther said he was happy that there was no accident “I do my thing gently. It’s really a beautiful time. I don’t mean to make fun. It’s beautiful.”
Idris Elba was at Manhyia Palace on Sunday to pay tribute to the late King Osei Tutu II and Queen Nana Konadu Yiadom III during Akwasidea in February.
He led the film production crew to take pictures of the event for filming.
Akwasidae (Holy Week) is celebrated every six weeks at Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, Ashanti Region. Centered on the veneration of ancestors, the remembrance and recognition of past kings and their various noble achievements, it starts from the Asantehene’s throne room and is attended by a large crowd dressed in traditional clothing like a royal kente.