Daddy Lumba also known as DL a.k.a. Girls Prefect last Saturday at the Accra International Conference Centre proved his critics wrong with a vintage performance at the maiden edition of the ‘Legends & Legacy Ball’.
When he mounted the stage, he made sure that his critics who had shown their strong aversion towards him for one reason or the other went home fulfilled and happy with an unforgettable experience of a life time.
He mounted the stage with his ‘111666’ tune and got every soul at the auditorium on their dancing feet. With 27 albums, from hit after hit, Daddy entertained the patrons. He got the patrons busy – their mouths sang, their legs danced and their hands clapped as he dished out song after song – hits after hits.
Surrounded by five dancers, they did what has been known as the ‘Lumba dance’. He managed to get the two presidents on the stage to dance when he performed ‘Aben Wo Ha’, his greatest track which won most awards at the maiden edition of the Ghana Music Awards in 2000.
Former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings danced her heart out as if she has already forgotten the heavy defeat President Mills meted out to her at the NDC congress in Sunyani. When Lumba was about to end the event, Nana Konadu requested for ‘Aben Wo Ha’ again.
Lumba performed it again to climax a successful event.
The event which was instituted to celebrate music legends in Ghana brought together high profile personalities including the two former presidents of Ghana; Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kuffour.
Also in the auditorium included the former first lady of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyemang as well as presentations from the two biggest political parties in the country who sat close to each other and danced together.
I will not dispute it if this show is rated as the best show in Ghana for 2011. It was a show that wasn’t dragged needlessly. It was a 4-hour show. As has been with Ghana, shows don’t start at the advertised time. It is now a normal thing in Ghana isn’t it? The late start did not actually take anything from the show.
It only gave Kwame Sefa Kayi, one of the MCs the chance to unveil the surprise package to the crowd. After announcing that, the two former presidents were in the building, the crowd went gay as the two Johns made a triumphant entry through the backstage to their seats.
The surprise was well received by the patrons judging by the clap and noise. The cheers from the patrons at this point were loud and unbelievable. At this venture, it was obvious which of the two main political parties each of the patrons belongs to, as they call them with their nicknames like ‘Papa J’, ‘Gentle Giant’ and the likes.
Shortly after, Daddy Lumba the man being celebrated made his way to the venue through the same way as the two Johns. He was sandwiched by them. He sat in between them. President Kuffour sat on the right, whiles the Rawlingses seated on his left.
Hip life trio, Rana opened the show. They performed two of the legends songs. They performed commendably. Their performance was electrified. It was terrific. Their dance moves was well choreographed. As the first performers on the night, they raised the bar. They set a standard for the subsequent performers.
After wowing and involving the patrons in their performance, gospel musician Philipa Baafi, Felix Owusu and Kofi B followed in that manner to perform. There wasn’t any dull moment. Even though there were times one felt that, indeed it wasn’t the man himself performing, the patrons didn’t care enough as they continue to dance and sing with the performers.
One thing that cannot be taken away from this event is that, each artiste made sure they out-perform and silence each other.
‘Children of the future’, a song he composed to trumpet the message to the world that, certainly children are the future was performed by kids from selected schools. It was difficult to enjoy this particular performance because only the lead vocalist had a microphone. Yet the patrons care less. They continue to sing and dance.
After Nacy of No Tribe had imprinted his name as one of the best performers of the night, Daddy Lumba was presented with plaque from MUSIGA President, Bice Osei Kuffour on behalf of his association. The organisers of the event, Imajin Advertising also presented a 24 carat gold chain. Their presentation was done by a representative from Voice Of America.
The chain was fixed around his neck by his godmother and former teacher Mama Acheampong. Lumba appeared most surprised to see his teacher of30 years. They hugged and shown emotions.
Kofi Nti and KK Fosu picked it from there. If the event was a competition, the former would have been judged as the best performer. He was the first performer to force the two former presidents out from their seats to dance.
It was reported that, Rawlings said he was the best president Ghana has ever had. Kuffour disagreed and said the comment was rather boastful. Rawlings party members replied Kuffour, calling him jealous for disagreeing with Rawlings’ stand.
Though the fact that they danced together would not end the bickering and animosity between them, it was great as they shared dance together. It was a bold step taken. Whoever brought the idea of bringing the two men together have done a great job and needs commendation.
Now it was the turn of the only mad man in Ghana music. Kwaw Kese was announced as the next performer, many doubted his singing abilities. He proved them right. He came to perform, Lumba’s smash hit ‘Theresah’. Fortunately for him, he had the backing vocalist who sang the song.
Kwaw shouted when singing the chorus to tell the patrons that he was indeed singing. The patrons couldn’t help but laugh as they sang and dance. Kwaw Kese couldn’t sing yet he grabbed the highest applause on the night when he went straight and shook hands with the two presidents and asked them to reciprocate – which they did hurriedly.
After the attack and counter attacks last week, the two Presidents shook hands, courtesy Kwaw Kese. It was just beautiful.
He asked President Kuffour why he didn’t come to the event with his wife who is also called ‘Theresah’. He said since he performed the song titled the name of his wife, it would have been nice if she had been present. There was wild laughter after that comment.
Mzbel Mzbel Mzbel … Can I call her the bad girl of Ghana music? She appeared pregnant in her simple outfit. She had a good show too. When performing ‘Asie Ho’, she asked ‘Am I allowed?’ if she can give Rawlings a lap dance.
I was a bit far, so I can’t tell if Nana Konadu gave her the go ahead. Praye and Castro followed after Mzbel. They didn’t disappoint either. The maiden edition of the ‘Legends & Legacy Ball’ was successful. I can’t wait for next year.
Is it going to be Nana Acheampong, Kojo Antwi, Amakye Dede, Paapa Yankson, Gyedu Blay Ambolley or ….
‘Legends & Legacy Ball’ 2011 was organised by Imajin Advertising and Adom 106.3 FM with support from Kamsak Limited, SMSgh, Budget Rent-A-Car-Ghana, Erata Hotel and Danny Decorations.
Media partners includes Voice of America, GTV, Metro TV, TV Africa, Viasat1, Crusading Guide, Daily Guide/NewsOne, DDP Outdoor Limited, Adeshie, GhanaCelebrities.Com, BigXGhana and Ghanamusic.com.
Lmao, there’s no doubt that the patrons had a wonderful time. But like you said, it doesn’t mean the 2 Johns have buried the hatchet for life. Hopefully shows like this would come up more often to bring as all together no matter the tribe or political group we belong to. Nice review by the way.
@naa asheley, Thanks dear. Hit me on twitter.
@Posted By: GC Staff, just did. Holla!
Lol this was undoubtedly a show to be.this jst went to show how powerful of an art of music can go in ones prsn life.Jst glad to see this 2 service men made it out frm their worlds to hve fun.good job to both organizers n all who perform!
Hopefully their hearts are also pure..Akumaa’s outfit, hmmm!!!
nice show. He deserves the recognition. from lumba brothers till now.. well done
well done lumba ,ayekoo.you are a true ledgend.stay blessed.