KODA

Tomorrow will be exactly a week when Ghana’s gospel music industry was hit hard with the news of the demise of Kofi Owusu Dua- Anto, affectionately known as ‘KODA’ after a bout with sickness.

The gospel singer, songwriter, music producer, 46, left behind a wife, Ewura­ma Dua-Anto and three children.

What broke out on social media in the late hours of Sunday was initially considered a gimmick.

But thoughts of the news remaining a social media trick vanished into thin air when the family of the fallen music gem confirmed his demise in a state­ment issued on Tuesday.

“The Dua-Anto family, Ewurama Dua-Anto with the Osae and Dankwa families, and allied families solemnly announce the sudden passing of their son, brother, nephew and husband, Kofi Owusu Dua-Anto (KODA) on Sunday, April 21, 2024 following a brief illness.”

According to them, the sudden de­parture of KODA has left the family sor­rowful and devastated; and we deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and support from contemporaries, friends, fans, and loved ones.”

“As we grapple with the shock and grief of this loss, we humbly request privacy during this profoundly challeng­ing time to heal and mourn as a family.

Since then, colleagues in the indus­try and fans have shared sentiments with The Spectator in glowing tributes to the ‘Nkwa abodoo’ hit maker whose dexterity on the keyboard and lead guitar always thrilled fans.

‘Aseda’ hitmaker, Nacee shared with this paper an unex­pected experience with KODA that would last in his memory.

“My cherished memory of KODA happened during the unexpected, unscripted moment when he invited me to join him on stage for the performance of ‘Nkwa Abodoo’ hit.

He disclosed that “despite the spontaneity, God turned the song into a remarkable hit.”

Nacee added “Rest in peace, Koda. Your music carried the torch of faith, bravely touching on diffi­cult truths. Your mission echoes in the heavens, a testament to your unwavering spirit. We’ll meet again someday, brother. Heaven just gained a beautiful soul.”

Empress Gifty, a gospel music diva, told The Spectator it was a sad loss to the industry because KODA was not only a great musician who impacted lives through his minis­try.

“KODA was also an astute producer who affected his colleagues positively. I pray to God to protect and strengthen KODA’s family in these trying moments.

ACP Kofi Sarpong described KODA as a gentleman, accommodating and open to all.

According to him, they agreed to collaborate on a song, but un­fortunately, that dream would not be a reality anymore.

“I cried on the phone during a call for confirmation from Nacee. He said the death of KODA has affected his mood. It is our prayer that the late musician’s soul would rest in peace.

Nana Yaw Boakye, better known as MOG Music, also shared fond memories of his first meeting with KODA who prayed for him at the National Theatre when he commenced his music journey.

“I still remember the prayer; he said God will lead me to greater heights and connect me to the industry. This prayer keeps playing in my mind since the news of his demise struck all of us.”

MOG Music revealed that there were times KODA heard his song and called to suggest other ways the pro­duction could have been done, adding that he impacted the industry positively with his knowledge.

Joe Mettle described KODA as a brother and friend and hinted that they were in Minister Danny Nettey’s band together.

The gospel musician recounted how Dan­ny Nettey asked him to send his first song to KODA, even though it was not released, adding that KODA produced his first ever single ‘I Love You Lord’ between 2007 and 2008 in his studio in Takoradi.

The award-winning gospel musician said he related very well with KODA and shared ideas, saying the late musician was a blessing to him.

“KODA was a wise man who had humorous ways of passing on important messages. We could talk the whole day about KODA, he was a good man,” Joe Mettle concluded.

 By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme