Nzema Association Of Atlanta

SHORT HISTORY OF THE NZEMA

The Nzema are an Akan people numbering about 328,700, of whom 262,000 live in southwestern Ghana and 66,700 live in the southeast of Côte d'Ivoire. In Ghana the Nzema area is divided into three electoral districts of Nzema East Municipal also referred to as Evalue Gwira, Ellembele District and Nzema West, which is also referred to as Jomoro District of Ghana. Their language is also known as Nzima (in Ghana) or Appolo (in the Ivory Coast).

The Nzema are mostly farmers. According to their traditional calendar, days are ordered in cycles of seven, and these follow each other in a three-week cycle. They have a matrilineal kinship system, with descent and property passed through the maternal lines.

A religious Kundum Festival is held annually all over the Ahanta-Nzema area. Its start is timed to coordinate with the harvest period, so local communities determine when that will be. It begins in the easternmost part of Ahanta and advances southwestward together with the harvest period. Ritual drumming, singing and dancing take place for four weeks, and are considered the way the community expels devils and protects its good fortune. This festival is the main occasion on which the satirical avudewene songs are performed by young men.

Among the most famous Nzema figures in the world are the Pan-Africanist, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana; Mr. George Grant, renowned businessman and financier of Kwame Nkrumah, both of this century. Before them, were Antonin Wilhelm Amon, born in Axim and taken as a boy, was raised in German Duke’s family and educated in the best schools universities. He became a philosopher in eighteenth-century Germany, teaching at two universities, before he returned to his homeland. Another well-known Nzema figure was Prince Aniaba of Assinie, Cote d’Ivoire. He was sent to France in the 16th Century at 15 as special protégé of the famous French King Louis XIV, Roi Soleil (Sun King). He rose to be head of France’s military regiment. Prince Aniaba returned to Assinie in 1701 with the intention to succeed his father, the King of Assinie, but could not for several reasons.