UNESCO to Honor Otumfuo’s Legacy with New Award for Young African Artists
A new initiative will honor the Asantehene’s contributions to African culture by supporting the next generation of creative talent
- UNESCO’s new award scheme will honor Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s impact on African culture and creativity
- The initiative, launching in May 2025, aims to empower young African artists
- The award will celebrate Otumfuo’s forward-thinking leadership
UNESCO has committed to preserving the lasting legacy of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the influential leader of the Asante Kingdom, through a new award scheme aimed at fostering the talents of young African artists.
Set to launch in May 2025, this initiative will serve as a tribute to the King’s visionary leadership over the past 25 years.
The UNESCO Head and Representative to Ghana, Mr. Edmond Moukala N’Gouemo, made the announcement during a Symposium on November 22, 2024, marking the 100th Anniversary of Asantehene Prempeh I’s return from exile.
The award, bearing the King’s name, is designed to pass down vital artistic techniques to the next generation, ensuring that African creativity continues to thrive.
Reflecting on Otumfuo’s impact, Mr. N’Gouemo highlighted the King’s bold ideas, including his initiative to unite global efforts in celebrating African heritage and reclaiming precious artifacts. His call for African relics to be returned to Kumasi and celebrated as cultural treasures underscores Otumfuo’s commitment to preserving the continent’s artistic legacy.
This new award scheme aligns with ongoing efforts to support traditional artists through partnerships with institutions like the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and international museums. In the coming decade, it aims to establish annual prizes for traditional African arts, ensuring that the creative works of young artists are celebrated and preserved for future generations.
