KING OF SEKYERE SITS IN STATE.

The above is a picture of the King of Sekyere, Osekyerehene Otuo Serebour II, sitting in state at a durbar in Juaben, the capital of his kingdom. Sitting alongside Nana, is the late Queen of Juaben ( Dwabenhemaa ) Nana Akosua Akyaamaa II, alias, Nana Akosua Domtie ( i.e her name in her private capacity ) the uterine mother of Nana Serebour and the current Dwabenhemaa, Nana Akosua Akyaamaa III.

Juaben ( Dwaben ) is located in the area of Asante, known as Sekyere, being referred to as Osekyere P>por> ( > = , a laterally inverted ' c ', as in the Twi language ).

Standing behind the King, are the kwadwom minstrels of Juaben, who chant or sing the kwadwom songs of Juaben, which refers to the genealogy of the King, the historical exploits of the people of Juaben and Asante, and grave incidents in the history of the Kingdom. These chants are expressed in 3 main modes. These are, Nwentene ( the long recitals, which can go on for hours on end, and can be very emotional or moving for listeners ), the Nwentia ( recitals of a short duration. Should they chose, the Kwadwom singers, can use these verses, to make chiefs, proceeding to greet Nana Juabenhene, to stop in their tracks just before they do so....literally, in a show of who is in charge ) and the Asafodee ( another long chant of heroic deeds of Juaben and Kumasi ).

This picture was taken, early in Nana's reign.