British actor Idris Elba has spoken about his experience of meeting the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during a visit to Ghana.
Elba, who was in the country to shoot a documentary series for his production company, said he was given strict instructions to dress appropriately for the meeting.
“I was told to change from jeans into Kente cloth,” he said.
Kente cloth is a traditional Ghanaian textile, often worn on special occasions.
Elba said he was nervous before meeting the Asantehene, who is revered by many in Ghana.
“I was sweating, but it was a great experience,” he said.
The actor also spoke about his admiration for Ghanaian culture, saying he was impressed by the country’s “sense of community”.
“I think there’s something really aspirational about the way that Ghana holds itself up,” he said.
Idris Elba was at Manhyia Palace on Sunday to pay homage to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III during the Akwasidea in February.
In a meeting with Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the award-winning actor and People’s Hottest Man Alive disclosed that efforts were being made to establish a film studio in West Africa, including Ghana.
