Music fans who would be at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre at La, Accra on December 26 to witness the live performance of Lumba Brothers again will get free condoms produced by Daddy Lumba’s company in India.
According to the highlife legend, he would want his fans who cannot abstain from sex to be strong and HIV-free in order to continue supporting him.
Daddy Lumba, also known as Charles Kojo Fosu, a native of Nsuta in the Ashanti Region, made this known in an exclusive interview with Beatwaves at his residence at Tantra Hills in Accra and this was what went on:
Beatwaves: What is your real name and where did you get the name Daddy Lumba from?
DL: My real name is Charles Kojo Fosu. The name Daddy Lumba is a South African phrase which means freedom, freedom, and I had it when I composed a song that talked about freedom.
Beat waves: How old are you and when did you start singing?
DL: I am 43 and all I would say is that I started singing as a choirmaster in my school, Juabeng Secondary School, and came out to start my music career as part of the Lumba Brothers, collaborating with Nana Acheampong.
Beatwaves: Are you married and if yes, to whom, and how many kids do you have?
DL: Yes, I am married to Akosua Serwah and we’ve been together for 23 years now with four children - three girls and a boy.
Beatwaves: Who is Nana Acheampong, and what has your relationship with him been like?
DL: Nana Acheampong is my friend and has always been my friend. He is part of the Lumba Brothers and we both released an album, “Yereye aka akwantuo mu”, produced by my wife.
In fact, we are still friends and nothing out of the ordinary has transpired between the two of us as Ghanaians think.
Beatwaves: There is this rumour that Daddy Lumba is at loggerheads with Nana Acheampong over money gained from their first album and that it was recently that you came together. What can you say about this?
DL: Didn’t you also hear that Daddy Lumba was dead? If in fact it is true as some Ghanaians say, then I am a dead man speaking with you now. Ghanaians should stop these rumours for God’s sake. After our first album we decided to part so that each works on his own album.
We have never had any disagreement before and this time, we are going to prove to Ghanaians that what they thought and heard were all rumours.
Beatwaves: There is also this rumour that you are a womanizer. What would you say about that?
DL: When has one ever seen me in a club or any social place with a particular lady aside my wife? I have never cheated on my wife because I love her; or can anyone come out to tell me that he/she saw me chasing a particular girl? I dare anyone to boldly come out to point a finger at a particular girl I have ever chased.
Beatwaves: What are your hobbies since you don’t go out?
DL: I like reading a lot and also love watching television.
Beatwaves: Who are Theresa and Ama Essah?
DL: Ama Essah is my mum, who I ever loved on earth, but now she is no more and Theresa was my onetime girlfriend at school. We broke up when I traveled outside the country.
Beatwaves: Why did you break up?
DL: In fact, she was a girl I loved, but the separation came when she one day wrote me a letter that she had found someone who wanted to marry her.
By then I was not married. Even though it pained me, I was able to handle it. She made me what I am today and I appreciate her efforts.
Beatwaves: In what way has she helped you to become what you are?
DL: A lot, but its personal and I would keep it to myself.
Beatwaves: Ghanaians have classified you as one of the top musicians whose songs send profane messages to the public. What would you say about that?
DL: Ghanaians should never take a phrase out of my music and interpret is as profane. Can you point out to me any of my music which talks about profanity?
Beatwaves: How about “Aben wo ha” and “Tokurom”?
DL: “Aben wo ha” is never a profane word. Talk of “Tokurom”, do we find important ornaments like gold on the surface of the earth? Obviously no, but its hidden in a deep hole. Think of honey, is it not hidden in a special place on a tree?
Beatwaves: What is your next plan in life? Do you intend continuing with your musical career or quitting?
DL: When I was young, my dream was to be a lawyer, which I couldn’t accomplish because I came from a poor home, but now that I have achieved little I will one day want to quit music and go into other businesses.
For that matter, I have entered into the production of condoms which would be launched soon. Later, I would also come out with mackerel and acquire a land to establish a school as well.
Beatwaves: Which of your albums has sold the most copies so far and which is your favourite?
DL: Theresa is the album people are still buying and my favourite song is “Aben wo ha”.
BW: Who is your mentor in music?
DL: I love musical works of Akwasi Ampofo Adjei, Bob Marley and Nana Ampadu. They are so far my treasures.
Beatwaves: Can you please tell me what your fans should expect come December 26 at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre?
DL: They should expect the Lumba Brothers’ second performance after a long break live, which I tell you is gonna be great! We would let the girls sweat.
From there, we would then tour and spread to London, Italy and Hamburg, come January, and we intend making a mark. Expect condoms too on that day because AIDS is real.
Beatwaves: Thank you.
With 24 albums to his credit, Daddy Lumba has had more hits than any other Ghanaian musician.
He came up with ‘Theresa”, “Sika asem”, “Ohia asem”, “Back for good” and others.
He as well found a new life in gospel music and released albums like “Mesom Jesus” and “Whana Na Otene”. After taking some time off from the music scene, Lumba returned to release “Aben wo ha”, and has as well collaborated with musicians such as A. B. Crentsil, Selina, Felix Owusu, Borax, and Ofori Amponsah.
Re-energized, Lumba followed it with ‘Adepa hye adepa mu” and “Tokurom”, and is yet to release a new one, “Agenda”, which is enjoying airplay but not yet on the market.
