The one-week observation of late Ghanaian music icon, Daddy Lumba, will be held on Saturday, August 30, in Accra at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue. However, the final funeral rites will take place in Kumasi.
This was disclosed by Lumba’s head of family (Abusuapanyin), Kofi Owusu, right after officially visiting Manhyia Palace to inform Otumfuo of Lumba’s death as a royal and son of the soil.
He mentioned that Lumba was royal, so the family couldn’t have announced any arrangements without officially informing the Asantehene and seeking his counsel.
“Led by some chiefs who led the family, the Asantehene openly accepted our visit and quickly responded to our mission to see him. He told us he had heard our reason for coming and added that we should bear in mind that Lumba is a son and a royal of the Asante Kingdom.
“As an elderly person and head of the family, I perfectly understood the position of His Royal Majesty, and with the other members of the family who went with me, we know what to do for Daddy Lumba’s final rest. For the One Week celebration, we can do it in Accra, but for the funeral, we need to return Otumfuo’s son to him in Kumasi for the final funeral rites, so it will be held in Kumasi.”
Kofi Owusu
According to the Abusuapanyin, a big venue has become necessary to avoid chaos or stampede to ensure that everything goes on well without a blemish.
“We will equally inform the Ga Manste. The one week is on Saturday, August 30. We are still deliberating on the venue. If we look at the huge crowd at the Candle Night Vigil on Saturday and take into consideration the initial venue selected, it needs to be changed.”
Kofi Owusu
Before the one-week celebration, a candlelight vigil was held at Independence Square on Saturday, August 2.
Kumasi will host its version of the Vigil at Heroe’s Park, Kumasi Sports Stadium on Saturday, August 9.
Tribute Song for Daddy Lumba Discouraged
Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), cautioned against creating tribute songs for the late music legend.
According to KOD, attempting to pay tribute to the highlife icon through music would be a daunting task and should not be encouraged. In a Facebook post, KOD expressed his sentiments.
“Creating a tribute song for Daddy Lumba won’t be easy and should not be encouraged…he already wrote his own while he was still with us. His music said it all long before we ever had to say goodbye.”
KOD
Daddy Lumba’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fellow musicians, fans, and industry stakeholders.
His contributions to Ghana’s music industry will forever be remembered, and his music will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
And it is in line with his influence that some musicians have done tribute songs with some industry players calling on the leadership of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) to lead the charge.
However, the likes of KOD disagree with toeing the path of creating tribute songs for icons, particularly in the case of Lumba’s passing.
In a response in the comment section, radio personality Lexis Bill and a follower agreed with KOD.
“💯 Makra mo put an end to his journey, and that’s enough. And we don’t need anybody remixing any of his iconic tracks. None of his songs should be sampled in our generation.”
Lexis Bill
“Makes sense. We should not be doing too much. We loved him when he was here. As long as he knew. That is what matters. Let’s allow the family some room.”
Baaba Andoh
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