Signing Lumba's book of condolence: As ink flowed, so did tears
The mood was heavy. Every step towards the late highlife legend’s East Legon residence felt like a walk through memory, warm memories now cloaked in cold grief.
His voice, unmistakable and timeless, flowed from hidden speakers inside the house. Every note struck a chord in the hearts of visitors as Daddy Lumba’s own songs filled the air, reminding all present of what had been lost.
In a stark contrast to the sorrow around the forecourt from the solemn gathering of loved ones and sympathisers, Lumba’s smiling face beamed gently from towering pull-up banners, bordered by red and black cloths.
Some stood in silence, others whispered prayers, and a few broke down in quiet sobs.
In honour of the late star, a book of Condolence was opened yesterday at his residence in East Legon.
From young fans, entertainers, businessmen, to politicians, they took their turn to sign the book, sharing memories and messages of gratitude for decades of musical impact.
Among the early sympathisers who had come to sign the book of condolence, was renowned businessman, Osei Kwame, aka Despite, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of (CEO) of the Despite Group of Companies, who also made a GH¢100,000 donation to support the provision of water and refreshments for the many mourners streaming in.
He was in the company of the Managing Director of Despite Media, Fadda Dickson Narh, and the General Manager of Despite Media, Kennedy Asante Osei.
The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin; the MP for Akwapim North, Sammy Awuku; the MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib; a former MP for Subin Constituency, Eugene Boakye Antwi, and renowned broadcaster, Fiifi Banson, were also there.
Another Highlife legend, Obuoba J. A. Adofo, aka the Black Chinese, musicians Kwabenya Kwabena and Becca, media personality and entrepreneur, Deloris Frimpong Manso, aka Delay, broadcaster, Stacy Amoateng, and Okatakyie Afrifa were among those who signed the book.
House
Inside the house, grief had taken its rightful place.
Priscilla Ofori Fosu (seated right), wife of the late Daddy Lumba, being consoled as she weeps. Picture: ERNEST KODZI
Sitting on the couch and surrounded by family, Priscilla Ofori Fosu, Daddy Lumba’s wife, was inconsolable, her voice echoing through the house.
"Papa, waha me... Dada, waha me," to wit, you have worried me, she cried in Twi, her pain raw and unfiltered.
“I went everywhere with him, now, our last born, Kwadwo, is almost three.
What will I do?” She cried.
Broadcaster, Kwabena Agyeman Appiah Kubi, also known as Roman Fada, who served as linguist, addressing the sympathisers, said, “Every year, people falsely claim he’s dead, but this year, it came to pass.
And to think, he wasn’t even sick or bedridden.”
Having said that, Roman Fada noted that in due course, the necessary arrangements for his funeral and burial would be announced.
Legacy, honour
To honour his legacy, a candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Independence Square in Accra, starting at 6 p.m.
It will be an evening of songs, reflections and tears.
Other vigils are also expected in London, New York and Amsterdam, a testament to the international reach of his music.
Some of his songs include Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Yentie Obiaa, Awosoo, Dangerous, Mpempem Do Me, Playboy, Sika Asem, Aseɛ Ho, Od ɔ Bewu Deɛ, Menya Mpo, Hwan Na Otene, Enko Den and Mensei Da.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu in 1964, rose from humble beginnings to become a household name.
For over three decades, he gave Ghana and the world some of its most iconic songs, inspiring generations and redefining the highlife genre.
He was 60 years old when he passed away.
