Connect with us

Entertainment

Makra Mo Under the Stars: Candlelight Vigil Held for Daddy Lumba

Published

on

🕯️ “Makra Mo, But The Legend Lives On” – Ghana Bids Farewell to Daddy Lumba

Highlife icon’s death unites a nation in sorrow, memories, and song

 

His music still dances through our speakers—on the streets, in trotro radios, and market stalls—but the man behind the voice now rests in silence.

 

Aben Wo Aha, but now, Lumba wɔ aseɛ hɔ.

Ghana is mourning the loss of a true musical titan, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba. A man whose voice defined generations, stitched memories into melodies, and captured hearts through every lyric, has taken his final bow after over 35 years of shaping the country’s soundscape.

 

Though the flames of his artistry burned bright, today the stage is quiet. Yet, the spotlight he earned refuses to dim.

 

A Candle for the King

Tonight, thousands will gather at Independence Square for a national candlelight vigil in his memory. Since last Tuesday, his family has opened a book of condolence at both his residence and DLFM, the radio station he founded (106.9 MHz), where his voice once ruled the airwaves.

 

Just last September, Lumba turned 60—celebrating with rare public appearances and laughter. In hindsight, many now see that glow as his final farewell.

 

A Life of Mystery and Melody

Daddy Lumba was a star who never chased the spotlight, choosing to let his music speak louder than interviews or headlines. His reclusive nature only heightened the anticipation whenever he emerged.

 

In 1998, Gaddy Laryea’s Media Majique and Research Systems pulled off a milestone: Lumba’s first-ever live performance at Miss Ghana. It shattered myths about his stage presence and proved his magic wasn’t limited to the studio.

 

His manager at the time, the late Kwasi Brenyah of Peace FM, helped pull the strings behind the scenes—true to Lumba’s quiet but powerful style.

Tributes: From Icons, Friends & the Nation

The news of his passing has sparked a wave of tributes from musicians, politicians, and fans alike.

 

The legendary gospel trio Daughters of Glorious Jesus remembered him as “a big brother” and a man whose gospel songs carried depth and divine sincerity.

 

“He wasn’t just a singer—he was a storyteller,” said Edna Sarpong. “Slow to anger, deep in soul. His silence spoke volumes.”

 

Monica Owusu Ansah added, “I wish he had left a protégé… The man had a heart for God. He could sing about anything—and make you feel everything.”

 

Gospel artist Diana Asamoah called him “a brother in the spirit,” saying, “His gospel songs were born from truth, not showbiz.”

 

Music executive Bullet called Lumba “a pillar of authenticity,” while NPP flagbearer hopeful Kwabena Agyapong described the loss as personal: “He was a friend. His voice walked us through both private pain and public joy.”

 

Former President John Mahama posted:

“Lumba’s unmatched musical genius carried us through the phases of life… His legacy will echo through the ages.”

 

Other stars including Sarkodie, M.anifest, Wendy Shay, Guru, Pat Thomas, and Sista Afia have also paid glowing homage.

 

His Music Lives On

In the wake of his passing, Daddy Lumba has re-entered the charts with a vengeance. On Apple Music Ghana, 30 of his songs hit the Top 100—Makra Mo surging straight to No. 1.

 

His 2008 political anthem Nana Ye Winner showed that Lumba could wade into politics without fracturing his appeal. His music transcended politics, class, and even religion.

 

From heartbreak to humor, sensuality to spirituality, Lumba was a lyrical genius. His use of Asante Twi—rich in proverbs, wit, and wordplay—gave his songs a rare, enduring texture.

 

Songs like Sika Asem, Tokuro Mu, Se Sumye Kasa, Yentie Obiaa, and Mesom Jesus tackled everything from love and lust to faith and truth.

 

Most hauntingly, he never feared death—he sang about it. Tracks like Adaka Teaa, Makra Mo, and Yemfa Odo were his own elegies, composed long before his final breath.

The Legacy of Charles Kwadwo Fosu

Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba’s journey was as remarkable as his music. From humble beginnings to national treasure, he redefined highlife, fusing it with modern flair while keeping its soul intact.

 

His music wasn’t just entertainment—it was an emotional archive of Ghana’s soul.

 

Culture

“We Entertain Stupidity in This Country” — GHOne’s Lilly Mohammed Slams Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa Over IShowSpeed Passport Saga

Published

on

Broadcast journalist Lilly Mohammed has descended on Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over the decision to issue a Ghanaian passport to American streamer IShowSpeed.

 

Speaking on GH Today, GHOne TV’s morning show, the host expressed strong dissatisfaction with the minister’s action, questioning the justification for granting Ghanaian citizenship to the internet personality after a brief visit to the country.

 

“Let’s get serious as a country. It’s like we’re not serious at all. Somebody comes to Ghana, he’s a streamer, he’s putting Ghana on the global map, he’s doing whatever. He comes for a day or two, and then you shove a Ghanaian passport into his hands. You’re not serious,” she said.

 

Lilly Mohammed stated that she could not see the importance of IShowSpeed’s visit that warranted the issuance of a Ghanaian passport.

 

“You’re not serious. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, you were somebody we had high expectations of. You shoved a Ghanaian passport into the hands of somebody who came here streaming and embarking on his own personal thing. Coming to step on our jollof, jumping on the Black Stars Square, what has that done to our GDP? What has it added to our economy?” she questioned.

 

The media personality further compared the situation to Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, who has consistently promoted Africa on the global stage, asking whether any country had rewarded him with citizenship for his efforts.

 

“Wode Maya has been putting Ghana on the map globally. Have you seen America give him an American passport? Even Nigeria, has Nigeria given him a Nigerian passport? You entertain stupidity so much. You’ve given him a Ghanaian passport for what achievement? What has he done for Ghana?” she asked.

 

She also criticised the public reaction surrounding the visit, particularly an incident where some Ghanaians reportedly ate jollof rice that IShowSpeed had stepped on during his visit.

“You give him a Ghanaian passport because he sat on our jollof, and the moment he steps away, Ghanaians rush to eat it. You are not serious. With the greatest respect, let’s put some value on our passport. Let’s put value on this country,” she stressed.

Lilly Mohammed further lamented the difficulties faced by Ghanaian citizens in acquiring passports, contrasting it with the ease with which the streamer was allegedly granted one.

 

“Meanwhile, Ghanaians are queuing for passports. Ghanaian citizens born in this country, who by the Constitution are entitled to citizenship, are struggling. You say you have opened the passport system to eliminate goro boys, yet people are still finding it difficult to get a basic passport,” she said.

 

While clarifying that she had no personal issue with the streamer, she maintained that the decision to issue him a Ghanaian passport was unjustified.

 

“I have no problem with him. I didn’t even know him until he came to Ghana. It’s a beautiful thing what he’s doing, and it’s risky. For a young man, he’s very bold and deserves a pat on the back. However, to give him a Ghanaian passport, what has he done to deserve it? Let’s get serious in this country, for real,” she concluded.

 

Background

 

On Tuesday, January 27, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the Ministry had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to popular American streamer and internet personality IShowSpeed. According to the minister, the decision followed confirmation of what he described as the influencer’s “irrefutable ties” to Ghana.

IShowSpeed, an American streamer currently on an African tour highlighting the continent’s culture and lifestyle, arrived in Ghana on Sunday. He was officially welcomed on Monday, January 26, with a traditional Akan naming ceremony held in the Eastern Region.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Ghana Music Awards Europe Appoints Mona Gucci as Chief Operations Officer

Published

on

Ghana Music Awards Europe has officially announced the appointment of Abigail Monalisa Semaha, widely known as Mona Gucci, as its new Chief Operations Officer.

The announcement, made in Accra and Europe, marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to strengthen its operational leadership as it expands its footprint across Europe and the global Ghanaian music community.

According to the organizers, the appointment reflects Ghana Music Awards Europe’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership. Mona Gucci brings with her extensive experience in media, branding, communications, and creative industry management. She is widely respected for her deep understanding of entertainment culture, audience engagement, and strategic leadership.

In her new role, Mona Gucci will oversee the day-to-day operations of Ghana Music Awards Europe, lead strategic planning, manage partnerships, and supervise the execution of key initiatives aimed at elevating the awards scheme’s brand. Her leadership is expected to improve organizational efficiency, strengthen industry relationships, and enhance the overall experience for artists, stakeholders, and audiences.

Speaking on the appointment, organizers of Ghana Music Awards Europe expressed strong confidence in her ability to drive growth and innovation within the organization. They noted that her professionalism, experience, and insight into the entertainment landscape make her a valuable addition to the executive team.

Mona Gucci also expressed her excitement about the new role, stating that she looks forward to contributing meaningfully to the celebration and global promotion of Ghanaian music and culture.

Ghana Music Awards Europe remains dedicated to recognizing and honoring Ghanaian musical excellence while creating platforms that connect artists to international audiences. The annual awards scheme was established to celebrate and promote Ghanaian music and creatives in Europe and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and global recognition for Ghana’s vibrant music industry.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

High Court Confirms No Will on Record for Late Highlife Icon Daddy Lumba

Published

on

The High Court in Accra has confirmed that there is no record of a last will belonging to the late highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, widely known as Daddy Lumba, at the Probate and Administration Division’s registry.

This confirmation followed an official search conducted as part of the legal process surrounding the administration of the musician’s estate.

According to court documents, the registry search was initiated to determine whether Daddy Lumba had deposited a will with the High Court. The request also sought details such as the date of deposit, the individual who submitted the document, and the lawyer who prepared it, should such a will exist.

However, a formal response from the registry, dated January 19, 2026, at 2:37 pm, stated that no will associated with the late musician is on record. The document, signed and stamped by the Registrar of the Probate and Administration Division, confirmed that the court’s registry holds no such record.

The absence of a registered will indicates that Daddy Lumba’s estate may be administered under Ghana’s intestate succession laws, unless a valid will is produced from another source. This development introduces additional legal considerations for the family and legal representatives managing his affairs.

Daddy Lumba, one of Ghana’s most influential and celebrated highlife musicians, left behind an extensive musical catalogue that continues to shape the country’s music industry. Since his passing, public attention has remained focused on the handling of his estate, reflecting both his stature and the enduring impact of his legacy.

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 KPDOnline. Powered by AfricaBusinessFile