The night of August 2, 2025, was a somber affair as thousands of fans and well-wishers stormed the Independence Square in Accra to participate in the candlelight vigil held in honour of the late Highlife legend, Daddy Lumba.
The event, organised by the Creative Arts Agency, marked exactly one week since the legendary musician passed away on July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital after a short illness.
Fans, friends, dignitaries, and well-wishers came together to celebrate the legacy of Daddy Lumba through music, prayers, and tributes.
But some interesting things could not go unlooked during the event.
Let’s take a look at them below:
1. When phone flashlights replaced candles
The candle-lighting ceremony had a challenge. Two big candles were brought on the stage, one from President John Dramani Mahama and the other from Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
But because the event was outdoors at Independence Square near the sea, the wind made it impossible to light the candles.
After trying many times without success, organizers told everyone to use their phone flashlights instead.
2. Andy Dosty’s DJ set brought tears, even from Sarkodie
Veteran media personality and DJ, Andy Dosty, who was the official DJ of the night, took the turntables to play some of Daddy Lumba’s greatest hits.
As classics like “Makra Mo” and “Adaka Tea” was heard loud through the speakers, the mood at the event turned emotional.
Dignitaries were visibly moved, and rapper Sarkodie was seen shedding tears, even though he wore dark sunglasses.
3. Daddy Lumba’s children moved the crowd with their tribute
One of the most emotional parts of the night came when Daddy Lumba’s children, who live outside the shores of Ghana, took to the stage to read a tribute to their late father.
Led by Kelvin, one of his sons of Lumba shared their love and respect for the music legend and after reading the tribute, Kelvin ended his tribute by thanking the audience in Twi, which drew loud cheers from many in the crowd.
4. The controversial portrait by Padiki
To honour Daddy Lumba through art, visual artist Padiki, who attempted the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon, decided to create a live portrait of the Highlife legend at the event.
However, the final drawing got people laughing, many people felt the portrait looked more like a caricature than a true representation of Daddy Lumba.
Some wondered if this was the best way to pay tribute to such a celebrated figure. The incident became a talking point on social media.
Sharon Dede Padi, a Ghanaian visual artist, who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon painted an artwork in celebration of the late Daddy Lumba at the candlelight vigil held at the Independence Square.
#TV3GH pic.twitter.com/2GEVKPd3Xt
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) August 3, 2025
5. When the band played Davido’s song at a Daddy Lumba event
On the night, the crowd enjoyed live band performances of Daddy Lumba’s classic songs, but one moment confused fans.
In the middle of the performance, the band switched to Davido’s hit song “With You.”
Scores of patrons present at the event felt this was wrong, stating that the band should have played only Daddy Lumba’s songs since he has over 200 hits.
Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with the ‘queen’ of décor, making strides since Rawlings’ era
AK/EB
