About the Yaa Asantewaa Renaissance Festival
Honoring the Warrior Queen Mother of Ejisu, Ashanti Region
Who Was Yaa Asantewaa?
Yaa Asantewaa (c. 1840–1921) was the Queen Mother of Ejisu in the Ashanti Empire, now part of modern-day Ghana. She is celebrated as a symbol of courage, resistance, and female leadership in African history.
In 1900, when British colonial forces demanded the surrender of the Golden Stool—the sacred symbol of Ashanti sovereignty and cultural identity—Yaa Asantewaa took a bold stand. At a time when male leaders hesitated, she delivered a powerful speech that rallied the Ashanti people to resistance:
"Now I see that some of you fear to go forward to fight for our king. If it were in the brave days of old, the days of Osei Tutu, Okomfo Anokye, and Opoku Ware I, leaders would not sit down to see their king to be taken away without firing a shot. No European could have dared speak to leaders of Asante in the way the governor spoke to you this morning. Is it true that the bravery of Asante is no more? I cannot believe it. I must say this: if you, the men of Asante, will not go forward, then we will. We, the women, will. I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight! We will fight till the last of us falls in the battlefields!"
Her words sparked the famous War of the Golden Stool (Yaa Asantewaa War), where she led Ashanti warriors in a fierce resistance against British colonialism. Though the war ultimately ended in British victory, Yaa Asantewaa's courage ensured that the Golden Stool—and Ashanti dignity—was never captured.
Today, Yaa Asantewaa is remembered as a hero of African resistance, a champion of cultural preservation, and an inspiration for women's leadership across the continent and beyond.
Our Mission
The Yaa Asantewaa Renaissance Festival is dedicated to celebrating and preserving African heritage while empowering communities through culture, education, and the arts. Inspired by the courage of Queen Yaa Asantewaa, we work to uplift African voices, promote cultural pride, and create opportunities for sustainable development rooted in our rich traditions.
Our Vision
We envision a world where African culture is celebrated globally, where the legacy of heroes like Yaa Asantewaa inspires new generations of leaders, and where communities thrive through the preservation and innovation of their cultural heritage. Through art, music, storytelling, and education, we aim to create a renaissance of African identity and empowerment.
Our Impact
Carrying forward the legacy of Yaa Asantewaa through cultural empowerment and community development
10,000+
Lives Touched
50+
Communities Served
100+
Cultural Events
$2M+
Heritage Preserved
Festival Pillars
Inspired by Yaa Asantewaa's courage, our festival celebrates and empowers through these core areas
Cultural Education
Teaching African history, languages, and traditions to preserve our heritage and inspire future generations with stories of heroes like Yaa Asantewaa
Arts & Performance
Showcasing traditional and contemporary African arts, music, dance, and theater that celebrate our vibrant cultural expressions and creativity
Community Empowerment
Building strong communities through leadership programs, women's empowerment initiatives, and sustainable economic development
Honor the Legacy, Empower the Future
Join us in celebrating Yaa Asantewaa's courage and building a brighter future for African communities through culture and heritage