Controversial Kumawood actor Christian Akwasi Asamoah, popularly known as Big Akwes, has reacted to legendary Ghanaian icon Daddy Lumba’s death.
In an interview, Big Akwes recounted his first reaction to the news of Daddy Lumba’s sudden demise.
“I was happy when I heard that Daddy Lumba was dead. He was really suffering due to his illness and the surgery he had on his spine some years ago. He said in the past that he was in a wheelchair for almost three years. Truth be told, he was very sick.”
Big Akwes
Big Akwes recounted a past encounter where he and his colleagues, including Dr Likee, visited Daddy Lumba’s residence to shoot a music video with him.
The Kumawood actor also noted that one month ago, the late music icon failed to show up for a performance at an associate, Father Abraham’s father’s funeral service, which was held at the State House.
“You will hardly see Daddy Lumba unless he is performing at a public event. He is always at home. Even when he appears at your event, he won’t even stay for up to 30 minutes before leaving. About a month ago, we went to Father Abraham, from Asofan’s father’s funeral at the State House. We invited Daddy Lumba, and he agreed to come. On that day, we held negotiations with Roman Fada.
“Trust me when I say that Daddy Lumba failed to show up. He didn’t even come to the funeral to raise his hands for a few moments. We had given him almost 4 billion cedis. You can tell that the man was in serious pain. He was really suffering. That is why I said I was happy about his death.”
Big Akwes
Big Akwes claimed that the late musician was also on almost 90 medications before he encountered a pastor, who prayed for him. He added that the late musician had only lived longer due to his finances.
Netizens reacted to Akwes’ remarks about Lumba’s death.
“When you die, all the secrets will be out.”
Atongo4gh
“Hmm, when I heard that he had an operation on his spine, the first thing I said was that he was really suffering. 😭😭😭.”
Getrude Ampofo-Annan
“Good health and peace are what we should ask from the Creator.”
Penny J Africa
“Going in peace is better than being alive in so much pain. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏”
user963071818860
A Plus Recalls Quiet Moments with Daddy Lumba
A Plus described the death of Daddy Lumba as a blow felt by all Ghanaians.
“Daddy Lumba’s death will affect everybody. It’s natural. You don’t choose to mourn or not. You hear about it and it hits you,” he said, reflecting on the emotional toll the news has had across the country.
In his view, the late musician’s contribution to music places him in a league of global greats.
“Daddy Lumba is a legend. The only difference between him and Michael Jackson is the language—Lumba sings in Twi and Michael in English. From when he started till around 1999, he released 26 albums. Each album had six hit songs. Everything after that was a bonus.”
A Plus
Beyond his music, A Plus offered a rare glimpse into the man behind the legend. He recalled their quiet moments together at P2 studios and the late-night chats at Lumba’s Tantra Hill residence.
“Lumba was a very private person. We used to meet at P2 studios. Sometimes it would just be the two of us at his house at Tantra Hill, talking. He’d pick me up and we’d go for ’12-12′ (roasted plantain). These are memories I’ll never forget.”
A Plus
A Plus noted that it was an impossible task to choose his favourite Lumba track.
“It’s like asking which of Jesus’ miracles stands out. I love ‘Akwanoma’, ‘Theresa’, and ‘Bu Shia Me’. Each Lumba song has its own vibe and message. It depends on the mood.”
A Plus
He commended Ghana’s Parliament for taking time to honour the late icon, noting the symbolic weight of such a gesture. “This is the first time, to the best of my knowledge, that Parliament has discussed a creative arts figure at such length. It sends a powerful message that our arts are receiving recognition,” A Plus stated.
Calling for a united effort to honour Daddy Lumba’s memory, he urged the creative industry, the government, and the public to step up.
“Lumba’s memory must be preserved. We all have a role to play. Let’s make this industry attractive. I’m eager to see what the presidency does to honour him.”
A Plus
Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, also shared heartfelt reflections on the late highlife legend, describing him as an enigmatic and eccentric figure whose true personality remained elusive, even to those who worked closely with him.
Mr Okraku-Mantey remarked, “Lumba, I’m not sure anybody in the industry can say that, ‘I really know him.’ I want to see that person who will come out and say [they do].”
According to him, his interactions with the celebrated musician were strictly professional, but even in that context, Lumba’s personality stood out. “Off work, he is the love-me, hate-me type of character,” he said, pointing to the complex nature of the late icon.
Mr Okraku-Mantey observed that while many have publicly praised the late musician over the years, others who have had personal encounters with him may have a more nuanced perspective.
“I’m sure people who have worked with him, who have heard very good things about him right now, some of them are also saying, ‘Is this the same Lumba they are talking about?’ Because if he has to be tough and rough, he can be. And he can be extremely nice.”
Mark Okraku-Mantey
He also cited a memorable phrase Daddy Lumba once used on his radio station, DL FM: “Makra mo, abia na mu ehu me biom”—translated as, “Goodbye, perhaps you may never see me again.” The line, he noted, dates back to the ‘Biribi Gyegye Wo’ album, released around the time he completed his studies at St Augustine’s College.
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