He was more than just an artiste

In a moving tribute to the late Ghanaian music icon, Daddy Lumba, his close friend Mr. Akonor has revealed the deeper aspirations of the highlife legend—ones that extended beyond music and into the heart of Pan-Africanism.

Speaking in an emotional interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, July 29, at his East Legon residence, Mr. Akonor—who met Lumba 32 years ago but grew especially close to him over the past decade—opened up about the side of Lumba that many fans never knew.

“He was fulfilled as a musician. He achieved everything he set out to do. He battled with health issues and prayed he celebrated his 60th birthday, which he did last year,” Akonor said.

“But one thing he couldn’t accomplish was his desire to promote African unity as a Pan-Africanist. After reaching the peak of his career, he felt the time was right to use his platform for something bigger. Sadly, life had other plans.”

According to Mr. Akonor, Lumba was deeply inspired by the cause of African solidarity and dreamed of becoming a leading voice in the movement.

He had plans to use his influence to rally African creatives and thought leaders around a common identity, rooted in shared history, culture, and progress.

Lumba, whose real name was Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away in July 2025, leaving behind a legacy of timeless hits, a devoted fanbase, and a country in mourning.

“His popularity is unmatched. It is very difficult to get someone who is famous and popular at the same time,” Akonor reflected. “Being famous or popular is not the same, but he embodied both, which made him not your regular artiste. He was a gem.”