In the history of Ghanaian music, few songs including Daddy Lumba’s ‘Aben Wo Ha’ has stirred numerous conversations online.
The song which was released in 1998, rose to become one of the most talked-about, and most loved, tracks in Ghana. But it did not gain this status without controversy.
When it all began
Daddy Lumba had a habit of releasing his albums in December, likely to take advantage of the festive season. ‘Aben Wo Ha’ followed that pattern.
Though it came out in late 1998, it was in 1999 that the song truly dominated the airwaves and dance floors across the country.
The song was the title track of his 1998 studio album, and it faced a wave of criticism soon after it was released.
A song too “hot” for some
From pastors and parents to teachers and public figures, many people called for the song to be banned.
They believed the lyrics were too inappropriate for public consumption. One of the most vocal critics was veteran broadcaster Tommy Annan Forson, who was working with Joy FM at the time.
He went as far as saying that he would not play the song on his radio show.
The comment stirred even more public interest. Suddenly, people who had not heard the song were now curious. Why wouldn’t he play it? What made the song so “bad”?
The curiosity helped the song gain even more attention and ironically, made it more popular than it already was.
What did the lyrics say?
The lyrics of Aben Wo Ha were in Twi, and it’s not hard to see why they caused a stir. Some part of the song said: “Ma obiara mmɔ pono mu anadwo yi, Wobɔ mu a, woaha me o, Wobɔ mu’ mannye so a, M’ano kuta adeɛ mu…”
In English, that roughly translates to: “Nobody should knock on my door tonight. If you knock, you have worried me. If you knock and I don’t respond, it means my mouth is busy. If you knock and I don’t hear, it means something has covered my ears.”
In another line, he sings about getting his ‘sweet one’ to himself, so much so that even if his child was to cry, he would not hear.
These lines were seen by many as vulgar, even though they never used explicit words. The clever play on words left a lot open to interpretation.
What the authorities said
While there was public pressure to ban the song, the National Commission on Culture refused to do so. Their reason was simple: Ghana’s Constitution protects freedom of speech and expression.
According to them, since Daddy Lumba had not broken any specific law with the lyrics, they had no legal basis to ban the song.
The aftermath and legacy
Despite the backlash, Aben Wo Ha became a massive hit song. It dominated radio charts, filled nightclubs, and became a party anthem across the country.
In 2000, it won Song of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards (now TGMA).
Years later, Aben Wo Ha is still considered one of Daddy Lumba’s biggest songs.
It regularly features in throwback playlists and continues to be played at events.
What was once seen as too controversial for public airplay is now viewed as a creative and daring piece of Highlife history.
Watch the mood at Daddy Lumba’s residence after news of his shocking demise
AK/EB
