Entertainment

Ghana’s Highlife Icon Pozo Hayes Honored by Apprise Music

Published

5 months ago

March 1, 2025

Ghana’s Highlife Icon Pozo Hayes

Apprise Music Distribution, a leading independent music platform in Africa, has bestowed a prestigious plaque upon Pozo Hayes, recognizing his “outstanding musical achievement” and decades-long contribution to Ghanaian highlife music.

The ceremony, held in Accra, marked a moment of celebration for the artist, born *Nana Boakye Ofori Atta,* whose timeless hits have entertained Ghanaians and fans worldwide while preserving the rich cultural heritage of highlife.

The honor, accompanied by an undisclosed cash award and a gift hamper, underscores Apprise Music’s commitment to spotlighting Africa’s musical pioneers.

Pozo Hayes, a revered figure in Ghana’s music scene, was lauded as a “highlife cultural ambassador” whose catalog—including classics like “Akika Akikayi” and “I’ve Got The Feeling!”—continues to inspire generations.

“This recognition is about more than one artist,” said Michael K. Bamfo, founder of Apprise Music. “It’s about connecting emerging musicians with the sounds that built our industry, fostering innovation rooted in legacy.”

Pozo Hayes, who has navigated personal challenges including a disability that left him wheelchair-bound after a teenage accident, as he shared in a 2022 interview, expressed gratitude for the accolade.

“Music has been my life, even when work as a public servant kept me from it,” he said.

Now, with Apprise Music’s support, his catalog is poised for rediscovery by a new wave of artists eager to blend highlife with modern genres.

The significance of such honors extends beyond celebration.

Highlife, a genre born in Ghana’s coastal cities in the 19th century, has long been a cornerstone of West African music, blending traditional rhythms with jazz and other influences. By honoring legends like Pozo Hayes—alongside peers such as Amakye Dede and Kojo Antwi—Apprise Music aims to bridge generational gaps, encouraging rising Ghanaian artists to fuse these classic sounds into contemporary styles like Afrobeats.

The success of Nigeria’s Burna Boy, who has woven the legacy of Fela Kuti into global hits, and Tems, whose Grammy-winning “Love Me Jeje” evokes soulful roots, serves as a blueprint. “Ghanaian artists could dominate world stages with this approach,” Bamfo noted. “It starts with knowing our roots.”

Pozo Hayes’ journey reflects resilience and creativity.

In a 2018 interview, he revealed how he coined his stage name “Pozo,” embracing it as a symbol of strength despite its association with physical challenges. His dream, shared in an online press release, remains to headline a major concert—a goal Apprise Music’s spotlight might help realize. The platform’s extensive reach, distributing to over 150 digital stores, ensures Pozo Hayes’ music remains accessible, from Accra to the diaspora.

Industry observers see this as a pivotal moment for African music.

These honors illuminate our heritage,” noted Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, a Music and Cultural Ambassador.

“They nudge young creators to fuse past and present. Honoring figures like Pozo Hayes not only preserves that legacy but fuels its evolution.”

“Highlife is Ghana’s gift to the world,” said Kwaku Mari Agya Paye, a renowned Ghanaian music producer. For emerging artists, the exposure to Hayes’ catalog offers a treasure trove of inspiration—rhythms and melodies ripe for fusion with today’s beats.

As Apprise Music continues to champion Africa’s musical heritage, the recognition of Pozo Hayes signals a broader mission: to elevate the continent’s giants while paving the way for its future stars.

https://youtu.be/5kzOjVYY5Vs?si=9Au-Y_eOcT7TgJI3

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Entertainment

Bank Hospital Breaks Silence: Dismisses Claims of Leaking Daddy Lumba’s Medical Info

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2025

Sunshynbaby

The management of The Bank Hospital has strongly denied allegations that it breached the privacy and confidentiality of the late Ghanaian music legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away at the facility on July 26, 2025.

In an official statement, the hospital described the circulating claims—allegedly made by social media personality Afia Schwarzenegger (Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa)—as false, misleading, and defamatory.

“The Bank Hospital is an internationally accredited institution, staffed by committed and professional healthcare workers. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and confidentiality for every patient,” the statement affirmed.

The hospital stressed that Daddy Lumba received professional treatment in line with global medical standards and that his family was fully engaged in every step of his care—from admission until his passing.

“Transparency and patient-centred care are at the heart of what we do. Mr. Fosu’s family was involved throughout the process,” the management reiterated.

In addressing concerns, the hospital also noted that it routinely conducts internal reviews to improve services and understand patient outcomes. It assured that any findings will be communicated respectfully and directly to the family.

“Internal procedures are underway, and relevant information will be shared with the family in accordance with ethical medical practices and confidentiality policies,” the statement added.

The Bank Hospital concluded by cautioning the public against spreading unverified health information and encouraged reliance on credible sources before making such claims public.

Entertainment

Counsellor D Y Donkoh Apologizes to Shatta Wale Over Prophecy

Published

5 days ago

July 28, 2025

Sunshynbaby

Counsellor D Y Donkoh has issued a public apology to Ghanaian music star Shatta Wale after sharing a prophecy that reportedly left the artist “visibly shaken and traumatised.”

In a statement dated July 27, 2025, Donkoh admitted the prophecy—shared on social media—sparked widespread concern and was never meant to cause fear.

He expressed regret and pledged to be more cautious when sharing future revelations.

Entertainment

Legendary Highlife Musician Daddy Lumba Passes Away — Family Announces Vigil and Book of Condolence

Published

5 days ago

July 28, 2025

Sunshynbaby

The Fosu Family Mourns the Loss of Charles Kwadwo Fosu (Daddy Lumba)

The Fosu family has announced, with deep sorrow, the passing of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, famously known as Daddy Lumba, after a brief illness.

In a public statement released on July 27, 2025, by Baba Jamal & Associates, legal consultants for the Fosu family, they extended their heartfelt appreciation to fans, friends, colleagues, and the general public for the overwhelming support and love shown since the sad news broke.

Daddy Lumba was a true icon of Ghanaian highlife music, celebrated for his unique style, unmatched vocal talent, and immense contribution to the music industry.

Commemorative Events in Honour of Daddy Lumba

The family has announced the following events to honour the legacy of the late legend:

Book of Condolences

Venue: Private residence of the late Daddy Lumba

Kinshasha Crescent, House Number 12 (GA-332-9264)

Start Date: Tuesday, 29th July 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily

Candlelight Vigil Night

A candlelight vigil will be held under the auspices of the Creative Arts Agency.

Venue: Independence Square

Date: Saturday, 2nd August 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m

A Time for Reflection and Celebration

While mourning the immense loss, the Fosu family is calling on the public to respect their privacy. They are also inviting everyone to join them in celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Daddy Lumba.

Further details concerning the final funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.