Entertainment
Harry Abban reveals Bodo Staiger’s final words about Daddy Lumba
Ace Ghanaian highlife musician, Harry Abban has revealed the last words of the late renowned sound engineer based in Germany, Bodo Staiger shared about Daddy Lumba before passing.
Until his passing, Bodo Staiger through his Rheinklang Studios in Düsseldorf, Germany was known for many hit highlife songs in the country.
Harry Abban who is back in the country promoting his new song ‘Otilo’ had a very cordial relationship with the late sound engineer, and during an interview with Silva Lady on DL FM, disclosed one of the last things Bodo Staiger said about the legend, Daddy Lumba before passing.
According to Harry Abban, he asked Bodo Staiger “Many musicians including me come to you to record, however, Daddy’s Lumba’s projects with you sound different, what is the secret, do you exclusively add some things ?.”
He said Bodo Staiger’s answer was an expression of appreciation to Daddy Lumba for being part of his success story.
“He looked at me for a minute and said maybe he may not get the chance to meet Daddy Lumba again, but any time I meet him, I should tell Lumba that he thanks him for being a part of his gift and through him, he got a lot of musicians among others to work with him,” Harry Abban revealed.
In 1988, Bodo Staiger founded Rheinklang Studios in Dusseldorf, where he recorded and mastered most Highlife songs composed by Ghanaian musicians.
He passed away in 2019.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The fourth edition of International AmoFest lived up to its promise on Saturday, May 2, delivering a vibrant “three-in-one” experience that left the audience at Alliance Française in Accra buzzing.
The night was a masterful blend of sound and stagecraft. Berima Amo, the visionary behind the festival, led an impressive lineup of performers, including Pedro Kastelijns, Martha Apini, Rudy Ray, and Lamisi.
Together, they showcased a fusion of global music and authentic Ghanaian Highlife, staying true to the festival’s mission of preserving Ghana’s original rhythmic soul.
Adding a unique layer to the evening, Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Productions took to the stage, blending theater with the night’s musical energy.
The experience concluded with a high-energy after-party, fulfilling Berima Amo’s goal of creating a truly immersive and memorable night.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Amo emphasised the need for intentionality in protecting Highlife.
He called on every Ghanaian, as well as government institutions, to actively foster an environment where the genre can thrive on the global stage.
The main event followed a successful educational outreach on April 24, where over 250 high school students participated in a Highlife workshop at the Centre for National Culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
