Veteran music producer Fred Kyei Mensah, popularly known as Fredyma, has shared a heartbreaking story of how he almost took his own life after losing everything in the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster in Accra.
Speaking in an interview, the renowned sound engineer recounted how the tragedy destroyed his recording studio, musical instruments, and ten vehicles, wiping out his entire livelihood in one night.
“I lost my studio, ten cars, and three buses full of live band instruments. Everything that gave me my daily bread was gone in one day. That moment, I nearly committed suicide. I really thought of giving up.”
Fredyma
Fredyma said what stopped him from taking his life was thinking about his children, especially his youngest one. “I told myself, if I leave this boy, how is he going to survive? That thought kept me alive,” he revealed.
He explained that his studio was located only about 30 meters away from the filling station that exploded during the disaster, killing and injuring many people. “If I had been there that night, I would have died,” he said.
Describing the extent of the damage, he said the floodwater mixed with sea salt destroyed the engines of his vehicles and all his equipment.
Fredyma, who has worked with several top Ghanaian musicians, said the experience was one of the darkest moments of his life.
He added that despite helping many people in his career, some were happy about his downfall, a reality he has learned to accept as part of human nature.
“Some of the people I helped were happy when I fell, but that’s life. Sometimes, you just have to thank God for keeping you alive,” he said.
Fredyma Refutes Ofori Amponsah’s Claims Over Daddy Lumba Introduction
The veteran Ghanaian sound engineer and music producer firmly denied claims by highlife musician Ofori Amponsah that he was not the one who took him to the late Daddy Lumba’s home to present his demo.
In a detailed and emotional Facebook post titled “Let Time Be Sometime,” Fredyma recounted the events that took place over three decades ago, insisting that he personally introduced the then-upcoming Ofori Amponsah to Daddy Lumba in 1993.
According to him, he drove Ofori Amponsah to Daddy Lumba’s residence at Dome, where the young musician presented his demo song “Odo Mmra Fie.” Fredyma explained that while he had never claimed sole credit for introducing Ofori to Lumba, it was undeniable that he was the one who accompanied him to submit the demo that marked his breakthrough.
“There is a conversation going round about an interview Ofori Amponsah had on Hitz FM denying that I NEVER took him to the late Daddy Lumba’s house to present his demo song ‘Odo Mmmra Fie.’ I have written several articles, granted countless interviews, and even the late Daddy Lumba admitted meeting myself and him while alive.”
Fredyma
He also mentioned that several people, including his wife, Jose Addo, Omama Agyei, Nana Agyei Kodie, Eb De Noble Choice, and Selina Orleans Lindsay, were present during those early encounters. Fredyma added that Ofori had previously acknowledged in public that he recorded the demo for him, making the current denial disappointing.
Quoting his late uncle, Fredyma recalled a warning he received many years ago: “Peter koraa denied Jesus na me. While programming his song in 1993, an uncle of mine said, ‘Ofori will one day deny certain things about you meeting him.’”
Despite his disappointment, Fredyma stated that he harboured no resentment toward Ofori Amponsah. He posed a rhetorical question to the musician, asking, “Let’s ask Ofori Amponsah one question: Whether he never sat in my car pictured here in 1993 and both of us drove to Daddy Lumba’s house one evening at Dome? If he says he didn’t do it, I will add it to the seven wonders of the ancient world.”
Fredyma concluded his post on a reflective note, saying he holds no grudges and remains grateful that his contribution played a part in launching Ofori Amponsah’s career. “At least my demo fetched him a springboard in his life. No malice. We move,” he wrote.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Economic Recovery, Cedi’s Strength to Manage Inflation – IMF
