Thousands turn up for Daddy Lumba vigil
Thousands of people from all walks of life last Saturday participated in the vigil held for the legendary Ghanaian Highlife musician, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known in showbiz as Daddy Lumba.
The event, held under the night sky, created an atmosphere of deep emotion, reverence, and celebration of the musical legend’s legacy.
Fans, friends and family clad in red and black, holding candle lights, converged on the Black Star Square in Accra, to pay tribute to one of Ghana’s most celebrated music icons.
There was official representation of some government officials, religious leaders, notable entertainers, cultural figures and the family of the deceased in attendance.
Among them were the Chief Executive of the National Commission on Culture, Wakefield Ackuaku; the UNESCO Ghana Representative, Edmond Moukala; musicians Kofi Sarpong, Sarkodie, Kwabena Kwabena, Pat Thomas and Bisa Simmon, underscoring the national significance of Daddy Lumba’s legacy.
Also, there were many other people, lovers of Daddy Lumba’s music as well as members of some social clubs, including the Fantasy Club and Die Hard Fun Club, among others.
Memories, culture
Amid chants and echos of his popular songs, the crowd lit candles and waved miniature flags while his hit tracks played from back to back. Some danced joyfully, others shed quiet tears, and many shared fond memories of how his music had impacted their lives over the years.
Wakefield Akuaku (left), Executive Director, National Commission on Culture, presents a commemorative candle to Kelvin Fosu, son of the late Daddy Lumba, on behalf of the President. Picture: ELVIS NII NOI DOWUONA
Throughout the evening, Lumba's music remained the central focus, with fans singing along to classics such as Aben Wo Ha, Yentie Obiaa, and Playboy.
Vendors also took advantage of the gathering to sell Lumba-themed merchandise, T-shirts, and many other items.
Speaking at the event, Mr Ackuaku praised Daddy Lumba’s artistic influence and called him “a living archive of Ghana’s cultural history.”
He said his songs had served as both entertainment and cultural documentation, reflecting the nation’s hopes, struggles and spirit.
The UNESCO representative echoed similar sentiments, saying that the massive turnout was a reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire.
Candlelight
The vigil ended with a mass candle-raising.
The acting Executive Secretary of Ghana's Creative Arts Agency, Gideon Aryeequaye, led the call for the candlelight, encouraging all present to light their candles and raise them in memory of the fallen music legend.
For those who did not have candles, they were encouraged to light their mobile phone torches to serve the same purpose.
Almost everyone responded, creating a scene of glitter and further affirming that the event was not just a tribute, but a personal farewell to an artiste whose voice had accompanied them through life’s journeys.
It was a celebration befitting a legend, and a reminder that even in silence, Daddy Lumba's music continues to speak.
