This is a funeral dirge from Ghana that was performed to honour Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the 15th King of the Asante Kingdom who died in February 1999. The artists are Manhyia Tete Nwomkoro Kuo (the “Traditional Nnwonkoro Group from Manhiya”). (1)
My thanks to Adjei Agyei-Baah for the translation from Twi into English.
(Lead Singer)
When God created the world, he created many kings
King Opoku Ware is the owner of the Ashanti Kingdom
We are Asante Kotoko,
If you will come to war with us, you better be prepared
If the gun is fired and the bullet doesn’t go,
We will put our heads on the line
Our greatness comes from the days of old,
It comes from the great Odomankoma
If an object is not put in its rightful slot, it falls down
When God created the world,
He created the warriors of Asante Kototo,
Grandchildren of Okoafra
Our wars are destructive,
The mighty warriors of the pricky porcupine
Any war we fought was reasonable
We are Asante Kotoko,
The name when heard make people run into walls
The fetish priest doesn’t run into a tree if he has not seen anything
Mighty Kings Asante Kotoko,
The fighter helper is Nana Osei Tutu. (2)
(Chorus)
Ayeee victory is sweet, victory is indeed sweet
Ayeee defeat is embarrassing…
Nana Serwaa victory is near you
Ayeee victory is sweet…
Oh Nana Osei Tutu the noble one
Nana Serwaa Apem you are battling with many.
(Donno, gong-gong and castanets play in the background)
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu the second
The mighty Odum tree of the Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu the second
The mighty Odum tree of the Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu Ababio the second
The mighty Odum tree of Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu Ababio the second
The mighty Odum tree of Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
Oyoko son, the python of Amansie,
noble son of Dantwie we welcome you.
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu Ababio the second
The mighty Odum tree of Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
The favorite from the womb of Nana Afia Kobi Apem (3)
The favorite from the womb of Nana Boakye Dankwa (4)
Otiprɛko who is always ahead of his peers…
Nana Nyame Nkrabea we welcome you
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu Ababio the second
The mighty Odum tree of Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
Nana, Addae Cutlass says he wishes you
longevity on your stay on the throne. (5)
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu Ababio the second
The mighty Odum tree of Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
Nana, Akosa Brempon says he wishes you long-life to rule. (6)
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu Ababio the second
The mighty Odum tree of Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
Nana, Otuo Sereboɔ says he wishes you God’s blessings. (7)
He is seen coming, he is seen coming
Nana Osei Tutu Ababio the second
The mighty Odum tree of Asante nation,
we welcome you Nana
Times have changed, times have changed,
times have really changed and made the noble one silent
Times have changed, times have changed,
times have really changed and made the noble one silent
Times have changed, times have changed,
times have really changed and made the warrior silent
Times have changed, times have changed,
times have really changed and made the noble one silent
Yes, times have really changed, times have really changed
See someone’s mother hit by death, see someone’s father dragged by death
Times have changed tearing families apart,
times have changed tearing friendship apart
See my friend lying in state at death’s blow,
indeed times have changed for everyone
Now the community’s richest moves about seeking for a small loan
Ebuei once my mouth was fed with freshwater fishes,
but now I feed on dried tiny fishes
Yes, times have really changed, indeed times have changed for everyone
See the one who once eat, and now can’t take a morsel to the mouth
What happened that he is now fed like a child?
See the one who use to bath himself is now bathed like a baby
Let’s ask ourselves what has really happened!
Yes, times have changed, and indeed changed for everyone
Sad the community’s richest now moves about seeking for a small loan
Ebuei once my mouth fed one freshwater fishes,
but now I feed on dried tiny fishes
Times have really changed for the poor man to become rich
Times have really changed for the rich man to become poor
Yes, times have changed, and indeed changed for everyone
A person who once talked now lies in state with his hands on his chest
We greet him and he doesn’t respond,
and when we talk to him, he doesn’t talk back
Times have changed, and indeed changed for everyone
Times have changed, times have changed,
times have really changed and made the noble one silent
Times have changed, times have changed,
times have really changed and made the noble one silent
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds, (8)
when I went to greet Nana I realized nobody was there
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds,
when I went to greet Nana I realized nobody was there
See the house of noble men now reduced to house of straw
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Yiee Kwaku Asamadu your house is desolate with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Kofi Adadeba your house is covered with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Mister hunter you are a wicked fellow
Mister hunter you are a mean person
You have killed Kwabenafo Ntiamoa
You have killed a mother to leave her children behind
Hey death you have no heart for sorrow
Agya Adubofoɔ heaves a sigh on hearing your name
Amanfoɔ weep the house is full of weeds,
the house is full of weeds, the house is full of weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
House of elders now reduced to house of children
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Oforikwaso kwaasoniba your house is covered with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Yiee Kwaku Asamadu your house is full weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Yiee ɔwoome Gyamfi where are you, your house lies with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Yiee Kwadwo Addae Broni where are you, our house lies with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Yiee Otumfuo Opoku Ware your house is covered with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
We went to greet Nana but realized the house is overgrown with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
We went to greet Nana but when we got there the house was empty
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Yiee mister hunter you are a wicked fellow
mister death you are very mean person
You have killed Kwabenafo Ntiamoa
You have killed a mother leaving her children behind
Hey death you have no heart for sorrow
Agya Adubofoɔ say he won’t even talk nor neither breathe
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds, the house is full of weeds
Akosua Bema, your house is now covered with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Where is Barima Ofori, his house is covered with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Yiee Afia Ntɛmua adantɛmu where are you, your house is covered in weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Yiee Barima Ofori Amanfo your house is covered with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds,
the house is covered with weeds, the house is covered with weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds,
I went to greet Nana but when I got there the house was empty
Amanfoɔ weep, the house is full of weeds
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is the reward for me and my sister.
I, a loner have seen but who will bear me witness?
Someone should help as a mouthpiece,
whatever I do bear not fruits
It’s a sorrowful tale for me and my sister.
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward for me and my sister
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
Akosua Amankwaa and her sibling Boakye story is what I recount
She alone has seen it but who is to bear her witness?
Someone should her help her to tell her story,
it’s about her and her sibling Boakye story I unfold here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward for me and my sister
Akosua Amankwaa and her sibling Boakye story is what I recount
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
Adwoa Nyamekyɛ and her sibling Sakyiwaa story is what I recount
She alone has seen it but who is to bear her witness?
Someone should her help her To tell her story,
its Adwoa Nyamekyɛ and her Sakyiwaa story I recount here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, it’s me and my sister’s story I recount here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this his reward,
so this is his reward,
Kwadwo Boadi and his sibling’s story I recount here
He alone has seen it but who is to bear him witness?
Someone should speak for her,
Obaa Pokua she and her sister’s story that I recount here.
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, it’s me and my sibling story I recount here
I alone have seen it but who is to bear him witness?
Obaa Nyantɛkyiwaa Akosomo and her sister’s story I recount here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward, so this is my reward,
it’s me and my sibling story I recount here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward,
ei Adwoa Ketewa it’s her and her sibling’s story I share here
She alone has seen, but who is her witness,
somebody should serve as her mouthpiece,
Ama Yeboah, she and her sibling’ story that I share here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, it’s me and my sibling’s story I share here
I alone have seen and who is my witness,
Akosua Konadu, sister of Maame Dufie, she and her sister’s story that I share here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, its me and my sibling’s story I share here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward Kwadwo Addae Broni,
he and his brother Fosu story that I share here
He alone have seen it and who is my witness, somebody should speak for him,
Whatever he does doesn’t work, he and his brother Fosu’s story I share here.
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, it’s me and my sibling’s story I share here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, it’s me and my sibling’s story I sing here
I alone have seen it but who is my witness,
Maa Abena Gyamfua, I and my sibling’s story that I share here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, it’s me and my sibling’s story I sing here
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, its me and my sibling’s unique story.
I alone have seen it but who is my witness,
whatever I do comes to nothing,
It’s me and my sibling’s unique story I unfold here.
Adu Gyan..ei, Adu Gyan ei so this is my reward,
so this is my reward, its me and my sibling’s story I sing here
We know how to fight,
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
Nana never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
He knows how to fight,
Nana Osei Bonsu he knows how to fight,
Mamponhene knows how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
Yiee he knows how to fight,
Nana Otuo Siriboɔ he knows how to fight,
Dwabenhene knows how to fight,
and never know retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
Yiee he knows how to fight,
Nana Oduro Nimapau he knows how to fight, (9)
Asumgyahene knows how to fight,
and never know retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
Yiee he knows how to fight,
Nana Saamanhene he knows how to fight,
Nana never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
Yiee he knows how to fight,
Nana Akyampemhene knows how to fight,
Nana never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
Yiee he knows how to fight,
Nana Sawuahene knows how to fight,
Nana Adusei Poku knows how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
Nananom never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
Nananom never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
Nananom never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
Yiee he knows how to fight,
Nana Antwi Boasiako knows how to fight,
Obaa Hemaa knows how to fight,
and Nana Serwaa never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
Yiee he knows how to fight,
Nana Serwaa Ampem knows how to fight,
Obaa Hemaa knows how to fight,
and Nana never know how to retreat
We know how to fight,
Asanteman we know how to fight,
and never know how to retreat
Yie our lord says he is leaving,
Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Lord Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will not see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Ebuee our Lord says he is leaving,
Nana Serwaa Ampem, our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
and we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Asanteman, our Lord says he is leaving,
Otumfuo Opoku ware, Nana says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us
and we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged last words with us,
we will never see him again
Kwadwo Addae, our lord says he is leaving,
our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Ebuee our lord says he is leaving,
Nana Akyampemhene, your lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with you,
and we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
Otumfuo Opoku Ware, our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
and we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Ebuee your brother says he is leaving,
Nana Serwaa Ampem, your brother says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with you,
and you will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
Barima Addae Cutlass, our lord says he is leaving,
he said he has exchanged his last words with us,
and you will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
and we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
Atakora Manu, our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
and we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
and we will never see him again
Ebuee our lord says he is leaving,
our lord says he is leaving,
our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
and we will never see him again
Yie our Lord says he is leaving,
our Nana Asantehene our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
and we will never see him again
Asanteman, we grieve today,
as our Lord Otumfou leaves to join Nananom…
(Drum beats background interspersed with the beat of donno and castanets)
Ebuee our lord says he is leaving,
our lord says he is leaving,
our lord says he is leaving,
he has exchanged his last words with us,
and we will never see him again
Otumfuo Opoku Ware it’s you that I’m calling
like the rainbow calling for rains in the morning
It’s no person calling but Asantehemaa Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem who is calling you
if the Asansa leaves for funeral,
he calls in the hawk to take charge of his absence,
who did you leave her with?
Whom did you leave Nana Adusei Poku with?
Whom did you leave Nana Sawuahene with?
Whom did you leave Nana Yaa Donkor Sawauhemaa with?
Whom did you leave Nana Akyɛmpemhene with?
Otumfuo eiii, a mighty tree has fallen,
indeed a might tree has fallen and made the earth quake.
Agyaei!!! Nana whom do you left us with?
If someone is coming from your end, do send us gifts.
(Dunno and dawuruta play in the background)
Death has come to take him away,
oh death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away
Death has come to take him away,
death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away
Death has come to take him away,
Nana death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
Nana, death has come to him away
Death has come to take him away,
death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away
Nana Opoku Ware II, the King of Asanteman,
his Kingdom is like those in the West
At the mention of his name,
the whole world rises up…
Nana Asantehene, your kingdom is of old,
Nana Asantehene doesn’t like war
Because he is a servant of God,
a forgiver of sins, now taken away by death
Death has come to take him away,
death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away
Nana Adusei Poku, Akyɛmpemhene he once said that,
“a royal is the one whose parents are alive,”
and now that you are leaving,
whose care are you entrusting him?
Whom did you leave him with that he shares thoughts with,
now that death has taken you away? Ah death has taken you way…
Death has come to take him away,
death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away
Asantehemaa Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Apem,
she says if parcels can be sent by the dead from the ancestral world,
then sent her a parcel if someone is coming back
If you decide to send her something,
do send her crocodile’s liver that she may purge herself with it
Death has come to take him away,
death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away
The overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away,
The overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away
Death has come to take him away,
death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to him away
The overlord who sits on a bedding of gold now taken by death
Yie death has come for him….
Nana Opoku Ware, yie death has come for him…
The overlord of Asanteman,
death has come for him,
Yie death has come for him
Brother of Nana Serwaa Ampem…
Yes death has come for him,
the overlord of Asante,
death has come for him
Where is Nana Saamanhene?
Yes, death has come for him,
the overlord of Asante,
death has come for him
Nana Saamanhene it’s you that I am calling
Yes, death has come for him,
the overlord of Asante,
death has come for him
Where is Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Apem,
it’s you that I am calling, the queen of Asante…
Yes, death has come for him,
the overlord of Asante,
death has come for him
Death has come to take him away,
death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to take him away
Yes, death has come for him,
the overlord of Asante,
death has come for him
Nana Opoku Ware the second,
the King of Asanteman,
his Kingdom is like those in the West
At the mention of his name,
the whole world rises up…
Nana Asantehene, your kingdom is of old,
Nana Asantehene doesn’t like war
Because he is a servant of God,
a forgiver of sins,
now taken away by death
Death has come to take him away,
death has come to take him away,
the overlord of Asanteman,
death has come to take him away
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware,
your death has taken us by surprise
your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware,
your death has taken us by surprise
Our King who sits on a bedding of gold,
your death has taken us by surprise,
Nana Baafour Awua says your death has taken him by surprise
Nana Oduro Nimapau says your death has taken him by surprise,
Nana Opoku Ware your death has taken us by surprise
Your death has taken us by surprise, your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
He says, it’s Nana who waves in the public it’s Nana who waves in the public…
Nana Otumfuo Opoku Ware, it is he who waves in public,
Nana, the chief priest say your kingdom is of old
Nana Opoku Ware, I am about to sing you praise,
King of Asante, am about to sing you praises
It’s you Nana Poku, it you who swallow stones hurled at you,
it is you who swallow axes hurled at you,
the tall brother of Nana Afia Kobi,
Opoku, the tall broad chest fellow
Nana it’s you that I am calling,
it’s a good call and so please kindly respond…
it’s a good call Nana ei…
Hmmmm
Otumfuo Opoku Ware eii
Hmmmm
Asantehene, it’s a good call, so please respond…
Hmmmm
Nana when we have issues, please visit us
Otumfuo Opoku Ware, Asantehene,
it’s a good call, so please respond
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Akyɛmpemhene says your death has taken him by surprise
Nana Otuoserebour says your death has taken him by surprise
Nana Osei Bonsu says your death has taken him by surprise
Nana Saamanhene says your death has taken him by surprise
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Akosa Brempong says your death has taken him by surprise
Nana Oduro Nimapau says your death has taken him by surprise
Your death has taken us by surprise,
Otumfuo your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise.
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
Papa we never heard of your sickness,
but today we have heard of your death
Your death has taken us by surprise,
papa your death has taken us by surprise
Your death has taken us by surprise,
your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware, your death has taken us by surprise
Nana Opoku Ware,
the overlord of Asante,
today that you join our ancestors,
whom do you leave Asanteman with?
Asanteman whom do you leave us with?
We know that you were God-fearing man,
so God will replace you with a God-fearing man like you
So Nana, go in peace with God
Yie death has held unto something,
Yes, it’s true that if death holds something,
no one can claim it.
Yie death holds unto something,
indeed when death holds unto something
life cannot claim it
Yie death holds unto something,
indeed when death holds unto something
life cannot claim it
Yie death holds unto something,
indeed when death holds unto something
life cannot claim it
Am asking, good people am asking…
what has happened that noble men and youth are wailing
Ghana radio, overseas communications say Nana Opoku Ware II,
he went to bed and never woke from his sleep,
Yie Nana slept and never woke up again
Ghana doctors wake up to this challenge…
Lead singer’s voice fades…..
Performed by Manhyia Tete Nwomkoro Kuo,
(the “Traditional Nnwonkoro Group from Manhiya”),
Translation from Twi into English by Adjei Agyei-Baah
Footnotes
- Nnwonkoro began as a form of music sung exclusively by women who would perform in the town squares of Akan villages at the end of the workday. In 1944, the male guitar-player Kwame Boakye teamed up his cousin Ms. Afua Abasaa, an accomplished folk singer and practiced storyteller, to perform traditional songs, poems and stories on a Ghanaian radio station. Kwame Boakye’s brother and his wife joined the group and together they became the founding members of Manhyia Tete Nwomkoro Kuo and the modern Nnwonkoro style was born. (Akosua Anyidoho, Tradition and Innovation in “Nnwonkoro” an Akan Female Verbal Genre, Research in African Literatures, Vol. 25, No. 3, Women as Oral Artists (Autumn, 1994), pp. 141–159, Indiana University Press)
- Nana Osei Tutu: Refers to Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the current King of the Asante Kingdom, who succeeded Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. The funeral dirge being performed serves to both honour the previous King and celebrate the new King’s ascent to the throne.
- Nana Afia Kobi Apem: Refers to Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II (1907 – 15 November 2016), the Queen mother (Ohemaa) of the Ashanti Kingdom and mother of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, who is the youngest son of her five children. She was the 13th Queen mother of the Ashanti Kingdom
- Nana Boakye Dankwa: Refers to the father of Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II’s father.
- Addae Cutlass: Refers to Paul Kwadwo Addai, a philanthropist, popularly known as ‘Addai Cutlass’.
- Akosa Brempon: Refers to Jones Clifford Akosa, politician, a philanthropist, and a chief. His stool name was Nana Akosa Brempong when he became chief of Benim in 1981.
- Otuo Sereboɔ: Refers to Nana Otuo Siriboe, Ghanaian traditional ruler, electrical engineer and entrepreneur. He is the Omanhene of the Juaben traditional area.
- the house is full of weeds: A metaphor for the emotional desolation that the Asante Kingdom feels due to the death of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
- Nana Oduro Nimapau: Refers to Nana Oduro Nimapau II was a traditional ruler in Ghana and Paramount Chief of Esumeja.
