Asantehene becomes first black monarch to be featured in Pirelli Calendar

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reportedly made history as the first black monarch to be featured in the esteemed Pirelli Calendar. The announcement was made by broadcaster Caleb Nii Boye, revealing that Otumfuo was part of the 50th edition of the renowned calendar.

CNN confirmed the inclusion of Otumfuo in the 2024 Pirelli Calendar in its November 30, 2023 report, listing him alongside prominent figures such as Idris Elba, Angela Bassett, and longtime Pirelli collaborator Naomi Campbell.

This special edition of the Pirelli Calendar was captured by 28-year-old Prince Gyasi, reported to be a grandson of the Asantehene. Prince Gyasi holds the distinction of being the first black and the first African photographer in the calendar’s extensive history.

Nii Boye, who shared this revelation on Facebook on December 5, 2024, mentioned that the official unveiling of the magazine would coincide with the silver jubilee celebration of Otumfuo.

“This great and historical achievement, which will be unveiled in 2024, will also coincide with the King’s Silver Jubilee.”

The Pirelli Calendar, initiated in 1964 with the trademark “The Cal,” is a prestigious annual trade calendar published by the UK subsidiary of the Italian tire manufacturing company. Limited to 20,000 printed copies each year, these copies are not available for sale but are distributed as corporate gifts to celebrities and select Pirelli customers.

– The Post Ghana