Jamaican singer and songwriter, Hezron Clarke, recently made an impactful and personal connection to Ghana, specifically the Ashanti Kingdom, by tracing his lineage to the region. During the last Akwasidae ceremony on November 26, 2023, Hezron expressed his desire to embrace his Asante heritage and sought an Asante name from His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Introduced by Oheneba Owusu Korkor, Asamponghene, Hezron Clarke was presented as an award-winning musician from Jamaica who believes he is a member of the Asante family. According to Hezron, his intuition and ancestral exploration led him to Ghana and the Ashanti Kingdom.
“The gentleman here is called Hezron Clarke, an award-winning musician in Jamaica. According to him, he is an Asante. He has been able to trace his ancestry to Ghana and the Ashanti Kingdom,” stated Oheneba Owusu Korkor during the introduction.
Hezron, known for his album “Man On a Mission,” took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality he received upon arriving in his ancestral land.
“Thank you for embracing me and welcoming me to my homeland. Many of my elders, teachers, brothers and sisters, mother, father, great men and freedom fighters never lived to see what I am seeing now. They had fought, cried, died and bled for this moment. I’m honored to be here. Thank you for welcoming me. I’m proud of the King,” Hezron said.
In a remarkable moment, Hezron, born on a Saturday, sought not only a soul name but an Asante surname to complement his given name, Kwame. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II graciously acceded to his request, bestowing upon him the surname “Bonsu.”
This meaningful connection between Hezron Clarke and the Ashanti Kingdom symbolizes the global reach of Ghanaian heritage and the power of cultural exploration. Hezron’s journey serves as a testament to the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots and the warmth with which such journeys are received in Ghana.
Currently in Ghana for a musical tour promoting his second album, “Man on a Mission (M.O.A.M.),” released under Tad’s Record, Hezron is scheduled to partake in various concerts, including Kormifest @Asaase, A Night with Kojo Antwi, Okyeame Kwame’s concert, Masquerade Festival, and Afro Culture. As he continues to tour the country until January 2024, Hezron Clarke’s Asante journey has not only connected him with his heritage but has also left an indelible mark on the Ghanaian musical landscape.
