From L to R: R2Bees, Joey B and Lord Paper are some musicians who have sampled songs from Lumba
Only few Ghanaian musicians can of boast of a music catalog as influential as that of the late Highlife legend, Daddy Lumba.
Nearly four decades and he has ‘poured out’ thirty-four albums and many more groundbreaking contributions to the Ghanaian Highlife sound.
His voice, lyrics, and melodies dominated the Highlife era and beyond, making him, if not the greatest, one of the greatest musicians to ever come out of Ghana.
But what is even more fascinating is how his music inspires a new generation of artistes.
Overtime, these musicians have not only paid homage to the late Lumba but also reintroduced his iconic sound to younger audiences through sampling.
With that being said, let’s a look at some instances some new-generation artistes have sampled Daddy Lumba’s classics.
1. “Aben Wo Ha” lives on, multiple samples over the years
One of Daddy Lumba’s most iconic songs, “Aben Wo Ha”, originally released in 1998, has enjoyed a
‘second life’ thanks to some new-age musicians.
In December 2018, record producer Master Garzy sampled the track for his song “Anadwo Yede”, which featured KiDi, Kuami Eugene, and Kurl Songz.
The track fused elements of the original Highlife groove with a modern Afrobeats feel, creating a nostalgic sound for fans.
But this was not the first time “Aben Wo Ha” got a modern twist.
Back in 2016, UK-based Ghanaian Afropop artiste Wusu teamed up with the production collective Team Salut to create a high-energy track titled “Lumba”, which sampled “Aben Wo Ha.”
2. Joey B’s “Princess” and the flip of “Mensei Da”
The late Highlife legend released “Mensei Da” in 1992, and nearly three decades later, Ghanaian rapper Joey B sampled it in his own way.
His song “Princess” flipped the original of Lumba’s Mensei Da blending elements of Highlife with his laid-back rap delivery.
3. Lord Paper’s tribute with “Asabone”
In 1990, the late Daddy Lumba dropped his second album, “Obi Ate Meso Bo”, which had the song “Ankwanoma” on that album.
In 2020, Lord Paper paid tribute with “Asabone,” a song heavily inspired by “Ankwanoma”. Lord Paper’s song featured Bosom PYung, and stood out for its nostalgic feel.
4. Bree Runway brings “Dangerous” back to life
Daddy Lumba’s twelveth album, released in 1998, included the track “Dangerous.”
Years later, UK-based alt-pop and rap musician Bree Runway gave this classic a revival with her song “Big Borga.”
Bree Runway fused the rhythm of “Dangerous” with her own style, making a song that appealed to both Highlife fans and younger listeners worldwide.
5. R2Bees revive “Se Wo Da Ento Pono Mu” on ‘Eboso’
The same 1998 album that gave audience and music lovers “Aben Wo Ha” and “Dangerous” also featured “Se Wo Da Ento Pono Mu.”
This song, Se Wo Da Ento Pono Mu, became the foundation for R2Bees’ 2021 hit song “Eboso” off their album Back 2 Basics.
Why This Matters: A legacy that won’t fade
What makes these special is not just the act of sampling but the respect and creativity behind them.
By sampling the late Daddy Lumba’s music, these artistes have kept his legacy alive, introducing his specialty to younger audiences who may never have experienced his original hits.
Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with the ‘queen’ of décor, making strides since Rawlings’ era
AK/EB
