Amongst the many who were present at the Mankon Fon's Palace to witness the coronation of their new ruler on Tuesday 7 June was internationally recognised raggae artist Ankias Valleyman. A Mankonian as he preferred to be referred to, was like many others witnessing the coronation of a Fon in his village for the first time considering that the disappeared Fo Angwafo III spent over six decades on the throne. He expressed satisfaction witnessing the exercise in an interview he granted www.hilltopvoices.com. Here is the complete and brief interview transcribed for you.
Hilltopvoices: You seem to be witnessing the enthronement of a Fon in Mankon for the first time, can you confirm this?
Ankias: Yes. This is my first time
Hilltopvoices: what does this mean to you?
Ankias: I am a Mankonian and witnessing the "Kingsation" in Mankon is a great deal for me. I can't even express how I feel, i am overwhelmed. I can't express myself for being part of this enthronement. My father who is of late used to tell me how he witnessed the enthronement of Fo Angwafo III and I will tell my children how I witnessed Fo Angwafo IV.
Hilltopvoices: What did your father talked to you about that you missed today?
Ankias: The only thing I noticed was not the same as my father told me was, we are in an android generation and even before the Fon came out, the thing was already on social media (he laughs). Well, we know he is the right Fon, he is destined for his throne.
Hilltopvoices: Any wish for the new Fon?
Ankias: I will really not want to be wishing him anything because I know he is capable and he is upto to the task. I will only wish that he makes every Mankon man to realise that importance of belonging to the Mankon clan.
Hilltopvoices: what about artists related issues especially those from Mankon?
Ankias: I did the song Culture, You got to know Culture, it's your identity, Your history, Your heritage, because I was like making them to understand that you can't be a man or human being without your cultural background.
Hilltopvoices: Thank you for taking off sometime to talk to us.