Mr. Akonor, the best friend of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, has shed light on the musician’s unmatched dedication to his craft and the legacy he leaves behind.
Speaking from his East Legon residence, Mr. Akonor offered rare insights into the personal and professional life of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, fondly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away on July 26, 2025.
“We played the song, laughed at the lyrics, and connected instantly,” E.T. reminisced in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, recounting the very first moment he and Lumba bonded over music.
But beyond the melodies, it was Lumba’s depth that struck him the most. “He wasn’t just a singer; he was a thinker. Every word in his songs carried weight.”
One of the most poignant revelations came when Mr. Akonor disclosed how Lumba composed one of his most iconic tracks, Yentie Obiaa, under physical duress. “He wrote Yentie Obiaa in a wheelchair—that’s how dedicated he was,” he said.
He also addressed a lingering controversy surrounding false bookings. “I can tell you on authority that Daddy Lumba didn’t know about the events that people claimed they paid him to perform at.
Even on the day he died, that is July 26, an event organiser was promoting him as a headline artiste for a show in the US, but we didn’t know anything about it,” Mr. Akonor stated, pointing to the exploitation of Lumba’s name without his consent.
Looking to the future, Lumba’s friend expressed his hope for the legendary artist’s legacy. “People listen to Bob Marley’s songs that were written 50 years ago. That’s the kind of memory I want for my brother—that 59 years down the line, people will still appreciate his music.”
