Daddy Lumba was friend of the press – Freddie Blay

Former National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, was moved to tears as he paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Ghanaian music icon Daddy Lumba, describing him as “a friend of the press” and “an icon of wisdom and emotion through music.”

Speaking to the media during his visit to Daddy Lumba's home, Mr. Blay, who is also a former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, recalled several personal encounters with the legendary musician, whose real name was Charles Kwadwo Fosu. He praised Lumba's immense impact on the country's cultural and musical landscape.

“Daddy Lumba was all of our Daddy Lumba,” he began, visibly emotional. “I remember a couple of times he came to meet me in my office—my law firm. Sometimes, he would visit the Daily Guide offices, and I'd meet him there. He was a friend of the press.”

Mr. Blay described Lumba's music as deeply resonant, especially among the Akan-speaking community, but noted that it was also widely appreciated by non-Akans across Ghana.

“His music, you will all agree, spoke to us in various forms. If you were sad, he consoled you. If you were happy, he rejoiced with you. If you needed wisdom or wanted to reflect on life, he was there. He even spoke of death… and sadly, that is what has happened to him. A good man. A great guy. An icon in his own right,” he said.

When asked about his favourite Daddy Lumba song, the former lawmaker cited “Se Wose Kete Bae Mu”, a track known for its rich use of proverbs and philosophical undertones. He also fondly mentioned another song with the lyric: “Mɛyɛ nea mɛtumi, mmerɛ n'aba a mɛkɔ” — meaning “I will do what I can; when my time is up, I will go.”

He reflected on how that particular song influenced him during his time in constituency politics.

“About 10 or 15 years ago, I heard that song and it stayed with me. I was in politics then, going through tough times, and people questioned why I bothered. I said it's my responsibility—to do what I can. And when my time comes, I'll go. That's life,” he recounted.

Overcome with emotion, Blay's eyes welled up as he shared his final thoughts on Lumba's passing:

“Great people sometimes don't last. For someone like him, you wish he could have stayed a bit longer so Ghana, West Africa, and the world could continue to benefit from his greatness. Even with what he has left us, we thank God. We thank God for his life. It's a pity… we would have loved for him to still be with us, but that is how life is,” Mr. Blay stated.

Daddy Lumba, whose passing was announced on July 26, 2025, is widely regarded as one of Ghana's greatest musicians, known for his lyrical depth, musical range, and cultural influence spanning over four decades.

By Francis Addo