Agbamevorza 2024: Barber wins top honors in Kente weaving contest

30-year-old Eli Asem, a barber, crowned as the 2024 King of Kente Weaving

The Agortime Kente Festival Committee has crowned 30-year-old Eli Asem, a barber, as the 2024 King of Kente Weaving for his outstanding design.

Eli's innovative design, "Lenkudenu" ("Keep Eyes on it"), won the top prize in the kente weaving competition held on August 8, 2024, at the Agortime Kpetoe E.P. Church and School premises.

Eli, a native of Agortime from Ahiagba Korfe, emerged winner with his exceptional design, which was widely endorsed by the judges and planning committee.

Despite dropping out of school in 2007, Eli has honed his skills as a barber and weaver with almost 11 years of experience, leading to his success in the competition.

Eli expressed excitement and gratitude for being adjudged the best among the five finalists and congratulated the second runner-up, a 15-year-old JHS student.

As the new Kente Weaving King, Eli invites Ghanaians to visit Agortime for the best Kente designs in Ghana and beyond, showcasing his expertise.

Committee Chairman Mr. Israel Kporku notes that despite the creativity and talent in Agortime, they lack support and sponsors to develop their skills, urging the community and diaspora to provide support.

Mr. Wisdom Elvis Ativoe, a diaspora committee member, emphasizes that the competition helps master weavers improve their creative ideas and expose their designs globally.

Mr. Ativoe highlights that the planning committee creates platforms for young participants by featuring them in the festival brochure, which circulates worldwide, promoting their work.

He calls for sponsors and partners to support the development of Kente in Agortime, the originators of the craft locally known as Agbamevor, to promote their heritage and businesses.