The sad news of the passing of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, aka Daddy Lumba, a week ago today, was piercing and numbing. It hit me like a dentist’s sharp needle and numbed me for the rest of the week, even as I write.
I was at a funeral service that day when a friend who came in a bit late whispered the crippling news to me. At that time, there was no way I could verify, but I also had no reason to doubt this friend.
My grief was more than doubled. My thoughts went wild, unable to concentrate on the initial grief that had brought me to the funeral. My heart went heavy, and my instant reaction in my confused mind was that a musical colossus had been uprooted.
I never met him in person. I, however, knew some of his top hits at the back of my hands because of the space he took in our music world. In that music world of our time, he has captured my admiration for the songs he has released spanning two decades and more. They all exhibit his unique talent in music.
His admirable personality was in sync with his songs, confirming that indeed, one can judge a good book by its cover. The cover attracts, and likewise, the content. Just like a manufacturer would put some focus on the quality of his packaging to cause attraction to buy.
Unique songs and beats
An exquisite storyteller, Daddy Lumba told captivating stories in his songwriting. His love songs, never to be missed, had additional pluses with matching unique beats. He made sure that whether in love or yet to fall in love, his love songs rang loud in one’s ears and moved the body.
Who could have missed the love story of Theresa Abebrese? The Odo mmra fie story, the Obi ato me so bo and Sika ye mogya lyrics and beats that, looking back, brought almost every guest to the dancing floor at my son’s wedding in America, a few years ago. Those who understood the words and those who did not were just moved by the beats.
There are also the pieces of observation and advice he shared in songs like Nyame nhyira Ghana mmaa. The song showed his deep respect for Ghanaian women, and it comes out clearly as he calls on God to bless them.
Along the line, it was impressive to me that some of his songs exhibited a new Daddy Lumba who found his God and hence the direction he gave to some of his songs. His comforting words in the song, Enya Nyame Den are soothing and good advice to the sad and weary. His other song, M’Agyenkwa Yesu, also speaks of a man who had seen the light in the course of his career.
Those were the times when spinners, in their own wisdom, selected and played his albums back to back at events. Daddy Lumba’s songs brought life to parties and packed dancing floors without a doubt. I believe they still do. His songs were simply electrifying.
Following the announcement of his death, one has had the opportunity to listen to about dozens of his claimed 200 songs. And just that number gives him away as a man of great talent in music.
Tributes
Throughout the week, tributes have poured in from all corners of the country, high and low, all in attestation to the personality of the man, Kwadwo Fosu and the songs he succeeded in enlivening our lives with. He was a “man of all seasons” as far as his lyrics were concerned.
His character has also come through the tributes that have been pouring out from admirers. He is described as humble, friendly and respectful. He is simply admired not only for his music and soothing voice but also for his character traits.
No wonder he went that far, rubbing shoulders with many in the corridors of fame. Even at death, He stands tall.
But death indeed is no respecter of persons, and Daddy Lumba’s death speaks to that. Much as Ghana loved him, much as he rubbed shoulders with the high and low and doors opened for him, as he had unmatched talents with songs that brought both old and young to their feet, he has succumbed to death at just 60 years.
Go and sleep well, Daddy Lumba. When you wake up, remember we here on earth are waiting in anticipation, yearning for your next hit song.
The musicians in heaven will be rehearsing and awaiting more versions of Enye Nyame den, for indeed, nothing is difficult for our God. May the Agyenkwa Yesu, the Saviour Jesus Christ you finally met in your musical life, grant you peaceful rest. Forever, you will remain in many hearts.
As the chapter on your good work here on earth finally closes, we know we will not see you here again with your varied hairstyles, but we will definitely see you on the resurrection day.
Da yie, Kwadwo Fosu. Agyenkwa Yesu mfa wo nsie, Daddy Lumba. Your reward awaits you in heaven.
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The writer can be contacted via email at [email protected]
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