The Asantehene, H.M. Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, has responded to critics over his ‘Yen tie obiaa’ dance with President Mahama after the reopening of the Kumasi International Airport.

The 16th Asantehene of the Ashanti Kingdom was speaking at the maiden edition of the Musiga Asanteman Arts Ball and Awards, organized by the Musicians Union of Ghana, the Manhyia Palace and Golden Tulip Hotel at the Golden Tulip, Kumasi on Saturday, December 27, 2014.

The Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, who was in black tuxedo, had early in the night danced to Nana Ampadu’s performance of his classic, hit ‘mother’. He was full of smiles and occasionally clapping to performances by Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Noble Nketsiah among other acts on the night, obviously displaying his strong love for indigenous Ghanaian music.

His speech was full of praises for musicians for their contribution to national development saying musicians were prophets and if people would pay attention to the lyrics of songs, and not just dance to them, the nation’s fate would be better by now.

Joking about his dance to Nana Ampadu’s ‘mother’, he used the opportunity to address his critics about the recent dance with the President: “I get into trouble for dancing in my room; I hope I won’t get into trouble for dancing in public.” He said: “Everything I do is in the interest of Asanteman. Everything I do is to bring development to my people. So why won’t I be excited if someone has created an international airport in my city so my people can fly directly home?”

He went on to intimate that he was friends with any president and would be friends with any president elected in the office for the 4 years duration he is in office, regardless of the person’s political party; adding that no matter what people say about his relationship with any sitting president, he would continue to be cordial with anyone in power so that he could easily lobby development for his people.

In support of the Koo Nimo Music Library, all-time-best CD compilations of Daddy Lumba, Amakye Dede, Kojo Antwi and Nana Ampadu were auctioned. Dr. Kwame Kyei ceo of Unity Oil and Stadium Hotel, Kumasi, bought Daddy Lumba and Nana Ampadu CDs at Ghc12,500 and Ghc11,000 respectively.

Boris Baidoo CEO of Boris B Farms & Veterinary bought Kojo Antwi’s CD at Ghc6,000; and Dr. Kwaku Oteng CEO of Angel Group of Companies bought an Amakye Dede CD at Ghc6,000. Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II donated GHC20,000 each to the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWef) and Koo Nimo Music Complex, which were the two causes the Asanteman Arts Ball was organized to raise funds for.

Produced by Showbiz Africa for Musiga, the Asanteman Ball & Awards was sponsored by Tigo, Kasapreko Alomo Bitters, Club Beer, Aduanehene, Kuapa Kokoo, Verna Mineral Water, Agyaba Jewelweries, GeoQuaye Ltd, Kafina, MultiCredit Savings & Loans, Lizzy Hotel, Africa World Airlines

For their achievements and contributions to the arts, four personalities were honoured. They are Fox FM and Hot Fm owner Francis K. Poku a.k.a Capitola; Stephen Boateng a.k.a Kwabena Kese of Kesben Group of Companies; Dr Samuel Francis Agyei of the Kumasi Cultural Centre and musician Daniel Amponsah aka Agya Koo Nimo.