The unexpected passing of Ghanaian highlife luminary, Daddy Lumba, has left a profound void in the music industry and the hearts of many, including Arnold Kojo Asante, CEO of Imajin Advertising and Imajin & Fusion Global. Asante, a prominent figure in the events industry, expressed his deep disbelief and sorrow in a poignant interview, struggling to accept the reality of the music icon’s demise. He described his initial reaction as one of incredulity, suggesting the news felt like a surreal stunt rather than a tragic truth. The weight of Lumba’s absence, it seems, has yet to fully settle.
Asante’s connection to Daddy Lumba extended beyond mere admiration; it involved a personal rapport and a shared appreciation for musical excellence. He recounted a recent interaction with the late musician during one of his events in South Africa honouring South African music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Lumba, having heard about Asante’s event, reached out and expressed a desire to connect upon Asante’s return to Ghana. This anecdote underscores the musician’s inherent interest in the celebration of artistic achievements and his continued engagement with the music scene even from afar.
The bond between Asante and Daddy Lumba became particularly significant in 2012 with the inception of the Legends and Legacy Ball, an event conceived by Asante and his team to pay tribute to veteran Ghanaian musicians. Designed to provide lasting recognition and tangible appreciation for their contributions, the event was notably different from the perfunctory awards ceremonies prevalent in the industry. Asante and his team rejected the conventional practice of presenting wooden plaques, opting instead for a grand gesture – a $25,000 gold medal. This substantial accolade symbolized the true value they placed on these musical legends.
The inaugural Legends and Legacy Ball was specifically tailored to honour Daddy Lumba, a testament to his enduring influence and the profound impact he had on Ghanaian music. Asante explained that Lumba’s continued dominance in the industry at the time made him the ideal recipient of the inaugural award. The event became a landmark celebration of Lumba’s illustrious career, highlighting his remarkable talent and unwavering relevance in the ever-evolving music landscape. The occasion resonated deeply within the music community, prompting artists like Kofi Nti to offer their performances free of charge, solely out of respect and admiration for Daddy Lumba.
Reflecting on the life and legacy of Daddy Lumba, Asante emphasized the importance of impact over longevity. Drawing a parallel to the relatively short life of Jesus Christ, Asante underscored that Lumba’s contribution to Ghanaian music was immeasurable, transcending mere duration. He saw Lumba’s life as a testament to a life well-lived, a life that had significantly enriched the cultural tapestry of Ghana. In Asante’s view, Lumba had undeniably paid his dues and deserved the highest honour, suggesting that a state burial, if granted by the President and the nation of Ghana, would be a fitting tribute to a musical giant.
Asante concluded his heartfelt tribute with a fervent appeal to fellow event organizers and musicians in Ghana, urging them to support initiatives that honour and celebrate their musical legends. He emphasized the importance of encouragement and collaboration in ensuring that the contributions of these artists are adequately recognized and remembered. Lumba’s passing, in Asante’s opinion, has highlighted the need for greater appreciation and celebration of living legends. The potential revival of the Legends and Legacy Ball, the only major event to truly honour Daddy Lumba during his lifetime, is a testament to this need and serves as a potential platform to continue the legacy of celebrating musical excellence in Ghana. Asante’s passionate plea serves as a call to action, urging the industry to come together and create a lasting legacy of appreciation for the icons who have shaped the landscape of Ghanaian music.
