Entertainment
Thousands ‘celebrate’ Daddy Lumba at national candlelight vigil
The Independence Square in Accra was on Saturday night transformed into a glowing sea of candles as thousands gathered to pay tribute to the late highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
The national candlelight vigil, held just days after his passing on July 26 at age 60, brought together fans, government officials, cultural figures, and musicians to celebrate a man whose music spanned generations and defined Ghana’s musical identity.
Organised by the Creative Arts Agency (CAA), the solemn evening was rich in emotion and symbolism. Two symbolic candles were lit-one on behalf of the President and another by the Ghana Tourism Authority, signifying national honour and gratitude.
A large portrait of the music legend was unveiled amid applause and visible emotion from the crowd.
Throughout the night, the square resonated with live music, poetry, and heartfelt tributes.
Highlife veterans Kwabena Kwabena and Pat Thomas performed emotional renditions of collaborative hits with Lumba, including Obi Ate Meso Buo (Remix) and Ahenfo Kyiniye.
The vigil also featured appearances by spoken-word artists, choral groups, and cultural troupes, while prominent personalities from the creative industry including Sarkodie, Stacy Amoateng, and Emelia Brobbey joined the thousands to honour Lumba’s legacy.
Family members, friends, and public figures offered deeply personal and official tributes.
A message read on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama described Lumba as ‘a national icon’ whose music and legacy ‘remain with us’.
His second wife, Priscilla Ofori-Atta, in a tribute read on her behalf, reflected on their shared life. It said “You were my protector, my joy, my home. Now the silence feels unbearable. The studio is quiet. But your legacy, it sings on.”
His children also paid tribute, thanking the public for their support, saying “Without your love and loyalty, he wouldn’t have become Daddy Lumba.”
MUSIGA President, Bessa Simons called him a cultural mirror: adding that his music didn’t just reflect Ghana; it was Ghana.”
The attendees, many dressed in black, held candles that lit up the entire square in a striking visual tribute. Branded T-shirts and paraphernalia featuring the late icon were also available at the vigil.
The vigil served not only as a farewell but also a celebration, a reminder that Daddy Lumba’s voice and message will continue to echo in the hearts of Ghanaians for generations to come.
BY Stephanie Birikorang
Entertainment
Big Ghun and Doreen Avio record massive turnout as Scarlett Unveiled auditions draw over 300 actors
The highly anticipated auditions for Scarlett Unveiled turned into one of the biggest independent film casting calls seen in recent times as over 300 aspiring and established actors stormed Studio 04 at MCB Studios, Lapaz Tabora, for a marathon audition session that lasted more than 16 hours.
Led by award-winning filmmaker Big Ghun and Media Personality and acclaimed producer Doreen Avio, the auditions attracted an impressive mix of A-list actors, rising talents, theatre performers, content creators, and first-time hopefuls all eager to be part of the upcoming Ghanaian feature film.
From the early hours of the morning until late into the night, Studio 04 remained filled with energy, emotion, and anticipation as actors from different parts of the country showcased their talent before the casting panel.
The turnout reflected the growing anticipation surrounding Scarlett Unveiled, a bold new Ghanaian project that combines film, literature, music, and youth engagement into one major cultural experience.
The producer of the project, Doreen Avio expressed excitement as it was her first time being a panel for auditions.
“Wow, I couldn’t believe my eyes, its my first time doing this and its been interesting seeing all these people especially the 83 year old man” she said
The project is based on the true story of a living individual and is expected to be produced and released soon.
The production has already secured strategic collaborations with the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana,Woodin and Ayoba further positioning the film as one of the most ambitious independent Ghanaian productions currently in development.
Entertainment
Sparqlyn reminisces as he congratulates Shatta Wale for winning two awards at 43rd IRAWMA
Ghanaian musician and former member of musicial gorup, Dunsin, Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh, popularly known as Sparqlyn, has congratulated Ghanaian music heavyweight, Shatta Wale following his impressive double victory at the International Reggae and World Music Awards.
Shatta Wale recently made headlines after winning two major awards at the prestigious event held in Florida, USA, securing Best African Dancehall Entertainer and Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
Reacting to the achievement, Sparqlyn could not hide his excitement after sighting news of the awards on Monday, May 18, 2025.
According to him, the one thing that caught his attention was the plaque presented to Shatta Wale. He noted that the design looked strikingly similar to the one Dunsin received when they won at the MUSA Awards over a decade ago.
The resemblance, especially the upper part of the plaque, instantly brought back memories of his former group’s historic moment on the African stage 13 years ago when the group represented Ghana proudly in South Africa.
It will be recalled that back in 2013, Dunsin achieved international recognition after winning Most Exciting Group in Africa and Most African Video at the MUSA Awards held in Pretoria, South Africa. The awards came on the back of their global hit project “Ɔyɛadeɛyie,” a song that helped elevate the group’s profile beyond Ghana.
At the time, Sparqlyn, then known by many as Kele within the group, was the one who represented Dunsin at the event to pick up the award.
