A primary motivation for the creative spirit of the people of the Ashanti region is the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, according to movie star Kyekyeku.

Guesting on Accra 100.5 FM’s Entertainment Capital, host Prince Benjamin (PB) asked what energises the people of said region to go against the status quo and chart new paths.

“Our king. Just the mention of his name – Ote Kokooso (the one who sits on gold)! The name has such strong power. Otumfuo’s kingship and influence has spread widely around the world. His kingship alone does it all,” Kyekyeku said spiritedly.

For years, Kumawood, the movie scene in Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti region, and the location of Otumfuo’s Manhyia Palace, against all odds, has unearthed, groomed, introduced, elevated and employed numerous actors, projecting them to national and international fame.

In 2020, the youth of Kumasi again led a music revolution called Kumerican Drill or Asakaa, making international news with Yaw Tog’s Sore featuring O'Kenneth, City Boy, Reggie and Jay Bahd. In 2023, the Recording Academy of America, organisers of the prestigious Grammy Awards, recognised the music, preferring to call it Ghanaian Drill, and added it to a brand new category dubbed Best African Music Performance.

While the national capital Accra enjoys much of the resources and attention in the creative arts industry, the legendary Kumasi, about 250 kilometres away, has positioned itself as an enigma, using arguably less to produce so much.

Meanwhile, Kyekyeku, a member of a group of actors who have led the charge to bring Kumawood to social media fame, especially on YouTube, has ventured into movie production. His debut is titled 1957, inspired by the year Ghana gained her independence from British colonial rule 67 years ago. The movie explores tribal interrelationships and advocates mutual understanding, appreciation for culture and unity.

Initially premiered in Kumasi on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, to resounding acceptance, the 1957 movie receives an Accra debut on Saturday, April 27.

Staying true to its unifying intentions, it stars Kumawood star Aka Ebenezer, alias Dr. Likee, and Ghallywood star Kalsoume Sinare – while Kumawood is headquartered in Kumasi and focuses on rural life, Ghallywood is headquartered in Accra with its muse being urban and cosmopolitan life.