Origin Of The Name ‘Kumawoood’ [Moives] Revealed

James Aboagye

Indeed, until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters. Similarly, to know nothing of what happened before you were born, is to forever remain a child.

Undoubtedly, about 90% of Ghana’s population have heard the name “Kumawood” but less than 0.5% do understand the origin of the only living Movie Industry in the country.

Kumawood movies – movies mostly produced in Kumasi and in Twi, are Ghana’s pride as far as our movie industry is concerned.

According to popular opinion, Kumawood movies depict Ghana’s pride because they are rich in true Ghanaian values, traditions and culture, have original and intriguing storylines; produces about 80% of the movies in Ghana and sells like ‘pure water’.

However, among the actors and actresses, some regard the brand word ‘Kumawood’ as derogatory and so they get pissed off when they’re labelled as Kumawood actors.

On records, actresses Emelia Brobbey, Nana Ama McBrown, et al. have seen on many platforms tried to dissociate themselves from the Kumawood tag. Perhaps, they don’t understand the pride origin of the ‘Kumawood’ brand.

It’s in the light of this that Kumawood movie producer, James Aboagye, CEO of 3 Units Media and producer of ‘Kumasi Yɔnkoɔ’ has dedicated his time to highlight the etymology of ‘Kumawood’.

Mr. Aboagye was in the studios of Kessben 93.3FM when he was hosted by DJ Roar on ‘Weekend Gruuv’ programme.

“The first time the word Kumawood was mentioned happened to be at Trade Fair in Accra during the funeral rites of actor Kwame Owusu Ansah of blessed memories somewhere 2008.”

“Movie producers in Kumasi introduced Kwame Owusu Ansah into acting. Therefore, there was the need for Kumasi movie stakeholders to pay him their last respect. Sadly, Kumasi sympathizers who attended the funeral on the day were maltreated and discriminated,” James Aboagye recounted.

As a result, Samuel Nyamekye, executive producer of Miracle Films, vehemently suggested that if the Accra actors, actress and producers (Ghallywood) won’t respect their counterparts in Kumasi, then it was necessary for the twi actors to also have a brand name, hence ‘Kumawood’.

“Fast forward, that pronouncement by Samuel Nyamekye gave birth to ‘Kumawood’, which has emerged to be the only thriving movie Industry in Ghana, currently,” James Aboagye revealed.