11 April, 2007

Abusua kesse Showcase Asante Royalty in Canada

In a sold-out kente/black-tie gala night to mark Ghana's 50th independence anniversary at the Bonsor Recreational Centre on March 24, the Abusua kesse (The Big Family) Cultural Association of British Columbia treated the more than 400 audience to a thrilling and rollicking enactment of the Asante royalty.

In a dramatic showcase displaying a mixture of adowa dancing, royal procession, a durbar (a community meeting) and a rendition of the essence of the Asante royalty by the linguist or spokesman, Abusua kesse (the Big Family) entertained the party-goers with what one Kwantlen University College faculty described as "a splendid eye-opener."

The gala night attracted federal, provincial and city politicians, including, $ Sav Dhaliwal Acting Mayor of the city of Burnaby, Bill Siksay, MP, Burnaby, Dave Hayer, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Immigration, John Nuraney, MLA Burnaby-Willingdon, and Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton. Also in attendance were a number of faculty, administrators and students from Kwantlen University College, Simon Frazer University, and The University of British Columbia.

Below are scenes from the night as were captured by our photographers, Terry Phillips, Asif Patel and Sukhman Dhaliwal.

The King, "Nana" acknowledges to cheers from audience

Nana and retinue display the splendor of the Asante Royalty

Royal dancers dig it!

Nana dances and is supported by his royal dancers

Royal dancers

Mothers and children soak in the excitement of the Evening

Nana and retinue display the splendour of Asante Royalty

Nana in full regalia demonstrates to the crowd his prowess, power, and majesty

Posted by: The Ghana Canada Association of BC at 1:58 PM 0 comments
Labels: Ghana 50th Anniversary, Ghanaians in BC, Vancouver