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
Franky 5 is new host of Max Morning Live
Celebrated radio and television personality Frank Kwabena Owusu affectionately called Franky 5 has officially joined the iMAX Media Group.
The renowned presenter is set to light up the screens of Max TV as host of the station’s flagship morning show, Max Morning Live, starting Monday, September 8, 2020, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Franky 5 brings with him many years of rich experience in media, combining exceptional television and radio presentation skills with a proven track record in event organisation and creative production. His addition promises to deliver an exciting, refreshing experience to viewers of Max TV.
Over the years, Franky 5 has carved a unique niche in the Ghanaian media and showbiz industry with his dynamic and versatile style of presentation. Whether formal or informal, his delivery blends professionalism with an engaging flair that resonates with diverse audiences.
Beyond his on-screen duties, Franky 5 will also serve as Head of Entertainment and Events at iMAX Media Group, where he will play a key role in shaping the station’s entertainment content and driving innovative initiatives.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Osanju is dead
Popular Ghanaian content creator, Elvis Frimpong, known in showbiz circles as Osanju has been reported dead.
According to sources, he was said to have died in the early hours on Monday, September 1, 2025 after a long battle with blood cancer (Leukemia)
His death has been a shock in the Ghanaian community especially coming shortly after his last post.
His demise comes five months after he had laid his mother, Amounu, also a tiktoker, to rest, having lost her in January.
Hours before his passing, he had posted a video on Sunday with friends watching the Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano match, prompting many fans to initially dismiss the reports as a hoax.
Osanju’s death has been described as a huge loss by followers who admired his openness, resilience and positive outlook in the face of ill health.
However, Osanju had previously shared his battle with leukemia, a cancer of the blood, on his TikTok account, even eerily predicting his own demise on a couple of occasions.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
