British actor Idris Elba has revealed his experience of meeting the Ashanti king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in a new documentary about gold. The star of Luther and The Wire visited Ghana earlier this year to film the documentary, titled Gold: A Journey With Idris Elba, for the World Gold Council.
The documentary explores the history, culture, and significance of gold in different parts of the world, from ancient Egypt to modern China. Elba, who is of Ghanaian descent, traveled to his ancestral homeland to learn more about the role of gold in the Ashanti Kingdom, one of the most powerful and wealthy empires in West Africa.
Elba attended the Akwasidae festival, a traditional ceremony held every six weeks to honor the ancestors and celebrate the unity of the Ashanti people. He was granted a rare audience with the king, who is also known as the Asantehene and is the custodian of the Golden Stool, a sacred symbol of the Ashanti sovereignty.
Elba described meeting the king as a “genuine honor” and said he was nervous before shaking hands with him. He also expressed his admiration for the king’s regalia, which included a gold crown, necklace, bracelets, rings, and sandals. “He’s wearing so much gold, it’s unbelievable,” Elba said.
The documentary also shows Elba visiting a gold mine, a gold refinery, and a gold market in Ghana. He learned about the economic and social impact of gold on the country, as well as the challenges and opportunities for sustainable and responsible mining. He also met with young entrepreneurs who are using gold to create innovative products and services.
Elba said he was fascinated by the stories and meanings behind gold and how it connects people across time and space. He said he hoped the documentary would inspire viewers to appreciate the value and beauty of gold. “Gold is more than just a precious metal. It’s a universal language that speaks to our past, present, and future,” he said.
Source: Ghana Web
