On Saturday, August 5, the town of Osu was alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of a special event. This festival, known as the Dade Tutswaa, took place over two exciting days. It’s a meaningful celebration that happens just before the famous Homowo festival in Osu. The Dade Tutswaa Festival is a way for the people of Osu to come together, show their pride, and honor their ancestors. It’s a special time that brings the community closer and sets the stage for the even bigger Homowo celebration.

Background

The Dade Y3l3yeli Shifoo and Asafo Tutswaa, affectionately known as Dade Tutswaa, stands as a vibrant annual festival that resonates deeply within the heart of Osu, one of the seven traditional Ga-Dangme paramountcies in Ghana. This captivating festival is a tribute to both the military prowess of the Osu people and their ancestral deity, Dade, revered for its historical role in ancient warfare.

At its core, the Dade Tutswaa Festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together all four divisions of Osu: Kinkanwe, Ashinte, Alata, and Anorhor Guided by the Kinkanwe Asafo, the festival’s grand procession travels through each division, then final ending at Kinkanwe. This captivating journey meanders through the heart of Osu, paying homage to traditional homes and sites of significant historical importance.

As the procession weaves through the community, the revered flags of Kinkanwe: Antoa and Akonfode lead the way, accompanied by the Asafoiats3m3i (the Asafo captains), traditional leaders and community members. The procession goes into the Osu Castle, which has various traditional elements within that predate the building of the castle. It also visits ancient homes throughout the traditional area of the township. In every division that the procession arrives, the leading men and women offer drinks to the procession, the diety, and the Asafo.

Central to the festival are the captivating displays of musketry and traditional dances, symbolic of the revered Asafo culture of Osu. These dances, uniquely Osu’s, are a testament to the community’s cultural distinctiveness. The traditional colors of the celebration are red and white. On Saturday, the dominant color is red with a touch of white, and on Sunday, the dominant color is white with a touch of red.

Prior to the grand Saturday procession, the Asafo Company sends forth drinks as messengers of celebration to the leading traditional homes. This not only announces the festival’s arrival but also invites these homes to prepare for the Asafo warriors and the revered deity’s visitation. The lead figures of the festival, led by the Nii Shippi Nkpa (the battlefield commander), Dzaase Asafoats3 Nii Tempong Sarpei III (senior captain), alongside Asafoats3 Brenya under the Antoa flag, and Asafoats3 Dzahene under the Akomfode flag, ensure the festival’s seamless celebration.

Setting the stage

With the successful celebration, the commemoration and a testament to its unifying prowess. The festival has not only honored the valiant warriors of yesteryears but has also reinforced the bond that ties the community together. Through its captivating displays, vibrant colors, and deep-rooted traditions, Dade Tutswaa stands as a timeless testament to the resilience and cultural richness of Osu and sets the stage for this year’s Homowo scheduled to take place a few weeks from now.

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The 48th People’s Choice Awards took place in California on Tuesday night, with stars of music, television and fashion turning out for the occasion.

Among those in attendance at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica were Ryan Reynolds, who was honoured with the People’s Icon Award; Lizzo, who received the People’s Champion honour; and Shania Twain, who was named this year’s Music Icon.

Twain wore an attention-grabbing custom look by Rodarte for the occasion, featuring a leopard hood, mesh panelling and black velvet skirt.

See how more photos of the stars on the red carpet.

Ijekimora – The Nigerian Afrobeats Singer has activated her new single “Fire” in Ghana with an intimate concert held on Friday, November 25, 2022.

“Fire”, her latest single which features South African Heavyweight, Busiswa, had a first time performance before audience at the plush restaurant located at Airport Residential Area, same premises as Silver Fox Ghana.

The night saw Ijekimora serenading audience to not just her latest single “Fire” but as well as her previously released songs “Sexy Papa”, Temptation” and “Stand By Me” (which featured Seyi Vibez). The night was also used to highlight her upcoming EP titled “Kimorality”.

The gig was steered by her Management as part of plans to fully activate her here in Ghana and the West African Region. Ijekimora is a Nigerian by birth but stayed in Dallas, USA, for a long time before relocating to Nigeria to pursue her music career. The Singer who has a soft spot for Ghana says she sees Ghana as her second home. Ever since she decided to go mainstream, she always does a Media Tour in Ghana prior to her releases.

Stream “Fire” here on Digital Stores: https://azuri.lnk.to/Fire

Listen on Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/ijekimora/song/fire

Watch “Fire” Official Video featuring Busiswa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIKUm9dlks

Below are some exclusive images from her activation concert at Tunnel Lounge:

Connect with Ijekimora on social media via her handles below:

Facebook – Ijekimora

Instagram – @ijekimora

Twitter – @ijekimora

Snapchat – @ijekimora