The passing of legendary Ghanaian highlife musician Daddy Lumba on July 26, 2025, sparked a wave of tributes from across the music industry and beyond. Among these tributes was a song titled “Ogya” by social media personality and aspiring musician Archipalago, real name Dennis Anane. The song, a two-minute, 50-second emotional ballad, chronicled Daddy Lumba’s life and career, from his birth to his early musical endeavors in Germany and his collaboration with Nana Acheampong as part of the Lumba Brothers. While “Ogya” garnered some positive reactions for its emotional depth and heartfelt homage, it also drew sharp criticism, particularly from journalist Sally Mann.
Mann, speaking on her Adom TV show “Showtym,” vehemently denounced Archipalago’s tribute, labeling it an insult to Daddy Lumba’s family and legacy. She questioned Archipalago’s credibility as a musician, arguing that his comedic background undermined his ability to produce a fitting tribute to such a revered figure. Mann pointed to tributes by established musicians like KBliss and Flowking Stone as examples of appropriate homage, implicitly contrasting their artistic stature with Archipalago’s perceived lack thereof. Her criticism sparked a debate about the appropriateness of Archipalago’s tribute, raising questions about the intersection of artistic expression, personal background, and public perception.
The controversy surrounding Archipalago’s tribute highlights the complex dynamics of artistic expression within the context of mourning and remembrance. While some viewed his song as a sincere expression of admiration and respect, others saw it as a self-serving attempt to capitalize on a tragic event for personal gain. Mann’s critique centered on the perceived mismatch between Archipalago’s primarily comedic persona and the solemnity of paying tribute to a musical icon. This raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the perceived qualifications required to contribute meaningfully to a collective act of mourning.
Archipalago’s “Ogya,” despite the controversy, did receive a degree of positive feedback. Some listeners appreciated his heartfelt delivery and the song’s detailed recounting of Daddy Lumba’s life story. They viewed the tribute as a genuine expression of admiration, regardless of Archipalago’s background or perceived musical expertise. This divide in opinion reflects the subjective nature of art and the varying ways in which individuals interpret and appreciate creative works. It also underscores the democratizing influence of social media, where anyone, regardless of their established status, can create and share their artistic expressions, reaching a potentially vast audience.
The debate surrounding the appropriateness of Archipalago’s tribute also brings to light the inherent challenges in evaluating artistic expressions related to grief and remembrance. What constitutes a “fitting” tribute is often subjective and influenced by individual perspectives, cultural norms, and personal relationships with the deceased. While some may prioritize artistic merit or established credentials, others may value sincerity and emotional resonance regardless of the artist’s background. This subjectivity complicates attempts to establish universal criteria for judging the appropriateness of artistic tributes, highlighting the need for sensitivity and respect for diverse expressions of mourning.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Archipalago’s tribute to Daddy Lumba serves as a microcosm of the broader discussions about artistic expression, public perception, and the complex interplay of these elements in the context of mourning and remembrance. It underscores the challenges in defining appropriate forms of tribute and highlights the diverse ways in which individuals choose to honor those they admire. While Mann’s criticism represents one perspective, the positive reception from some listeners suggests that Archipalago’s song resonated with a segment of the audience, highlighting the subjective nature of art and the importance of respecting diverse forms of expression.
