Mark Okraku Mantey is the Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, has shed light on why the late Highlife legend Daddy Lumba was often described as a perfectionist.
In an interview with JoyPrime, shared on social media on August 1, 2025, Okraku Mantey, recounted a memorable incident in which the musician declined to perform at an event in honour of former President John Agyekum Kufuor until his wife, Akosua Serwaa, arrived.
According to him, Lumba insisted, stating that his wife’s presence inspires him during live performances and was essential to his confidence on stage.
“On 27 December, I think, when President Kufour had come in as a fresh president. And almost all the top people, like the late President Rawlings. I think almost the whole of Accra was there.
“If we tell you what Lumba took the organiser through before going on stage. To the extent that he said if his wife doesn’t come, he won’t perform,” he said.
Mark Okraku Mantey further recounted how the late musician had someone vacate his seat for his wife.
“…Osei Kwame Despite, and Fada Dickson had to organise and bring his wife. When the wife came, he actually told them the exact place he wanted her to sit.
They told him somebody was sitting there, and he was like he didn’t care.
“They had to go sack the person sitting there for the wife to sit there… The show he did that night, he made Daasebre and the other artistes look bad that night,” he added.
Watch the video below:
Daddy Lumba wanted his wife to be present before he performed – Mark Okraku Mantey explains why Daddy Lumba was perfectionist knew what he wanted to deliver #primetime pic.twitter.com/gAhFYL1IV2
— Joy Prime (@JoyPrimeTV) July 31, 2025
JHM/EB
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