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IT was in 1993, and Ernest Toah Akonor (E.T. Akonor Jnr), a young man, was getting his car fixed at a mechanic shop in Kaneshie, Accra.
Call it destiny, Daddy Lumba, then a rising star, was also at the same shop, tinkering with his vehicle. As fate would have it, they struck up a conversation, bonding over their shared love of music. They listened to his then banger, Biribi Gyegye Wo. They sang along, laughed at the lyrics, and connected instantly.
Despite their initial meeting, the two lost touch over the years, largely due to Daddy Lumba's frequent change of phone numbers.
However, their paths crossed again in 2006 during the World Cup in Germany. This time, Daddy Lumba shared his Germany number with E.T. Akonor, and they reconnected, albeit briefly.
Their friendship was rekindled once more at a Legends Night event in 2011, where former presidents Rawlings and Kufour were in attendance. Life pulled them apart until fate intervened once again.
The final and most significant reunion occurred in 2015, when Akonor called Daddy Lumba and followed it up with a visit to his house.
This visit marked the beginning of a 10-year deeper and more meaningful connection between the two, which would eventually inspire Daddy Lumba to publicly declare E.T. Akonor Jnr his best friend.
The bond
ET Akonor was a key figure in Daddy Lumba's inner circle, serving as a trusted ally who helped protect the music icon's world from negative publicity.
With his close working relationship with Lumba over the years, Akonor was well-positioned to manage the singer's public image and ensure his legacy remained intact in the last decade of what he described as ‘divine ways’.
As fans worldwide are still reeling from the loss of the Highlife legend and continue to pay him tributes, his friend and confidant, E.T. Akonor, has shared insights into the musician's life, career, and legacy in a conversation with Daily Graphic at his office, Forvis Mazarz, an international accounting and auditing firm in East Legon, Accra.
“I’m still living in denial. I started processing the news of Lumba’s death when I was told he had died. This brought me to our last meeting on Sunday, July 20, when he told me he would be going to the Bank Hospital for routine check-ups on Monday, July 21.“So getting the news of his death really hit me hard. It wasn’t easy for me at all on Saturday. It even got worse when I got to his house and his wife hugged me and said, ‘Look at what Daddy has done to me’.
“Lumba was my brother from another mother. He is just a year older than me. He would have turned 61 in September, while I celebrate my 60th birthday in December this year.
“It isn’t a coincidence that Lumba’s first friend was Ernest (Ernest Acheampong), and in the last 10 years of his life, he finds another Ernest to do life with. The bond was so great that he shared deep secrets with me that I need to carry to my grave. We were that close that even when he is going to perform and has security, he would ride in my car or be in my company,” he said.
Their friendship was filled with moments of shared laughter, business ventures, and even health struggles. Akonor highlighted the depth of their connection, mentioning that whenever Lumba had, for instance, a bad cough, he was likely to catch one too, showcasing the uncanny similarities in their lives. (Read Lumba couldn’t fulfill one dream - Best friend ET Akonor)
“Our friendship grew to involve our families and all his siblings, and my family got to know that we shared a special bond,” he said.
Legacy
With a career spanning over three decades and more than 31 albums under his belt, Mr Akonor said he could boldly declare Daddy Lumba, real name Charles Kwadwo Fosu, as the best to have lived in his generation of musicians.
“To say Lumba is great is an understatement. He more or less became the very embodiment of music in Ghana. I’m not talking about Highlife or Burger Hi-Life, but his music transcends all these genres.
“We should institutionalise Daddy Lumba's memory. His music has to be studied, and his life and music should be used to teach future generations about his wisdom, philosophy and artistry,” he noted.
Business ventures
One of the most notable collaborations between the two was the establishment of DL FM, 106.9, a radio station that Lumba had envisioned and Akonor supported wholeheartedly.
Beyond radio, the two entrepreneurs also shared interests in the water business, often comparing notes and sharing ideas on how to grow their respective ventures.
Did they ever have issues? “Daddy Lumba was a very strict and honest to a fault. He was an introvert and a very shy person, but was very relentless in speaking his mind even when it hurt.
“So yes, we had our differences, but we were always able to resolve them in a maximum of three days by calling each other,” he said.
With many of Lumba’s songs resonating with listeners, he revealed that Ankwanuma is his favourite since it reflected his struggles as a young man who needed to shoulder the responsibilities of his family. While Lumba’s favourite is Anidaso Wo Ho Ma Obiaaa, telling of his humble beginnings.
Favourite quote
He signed off with Lumba’s favourite bible verse of Philippians 4:11-13, which reads “I know what it is to have plenty and I know what it is to be in want. I have learnt a secret to be content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want. Whether well fed or hungry. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
He then added, “It was also my favourite verse and Lumba will always say, ‘where are we taking the luxuries of life to?’ Just make the much you can enjoy with but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for the best”.
