Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, popularly known as KOD, has cautioned against the production of tribute songs for the late highlife legend, Daddy Lumba, saying the music icon had already authored his own legacy through his timeless catalogue.
In a Facebook post, KOD expressed strong disapproval of mounting calls for the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) to lead tribute recordings in honour of the musician, who passed away recently.
“Creating a tribute song for Daddy Lumba won’t be easy and should not be encouraged… he already wrote his own while he was still with us. His music said it all long before we ever had to say goodbye,” KOD wrote.
His remarks come as a wave of tributes continues to pour in from fans, industry stakeholders, and fellow musicians. Some have begun pushing for a collective musical project to celebrate Lumba’s impact — a common practice after the passing of iconic figures in Ghanaian music.
But for KOD, who had a personal and professional relationship with the late artiste, such projects may fall short of the depth and authenticity Lumba’s own songs have carried for decades.
According to him, the emotional range and lyrical storytelling embedded in Daddy Lumba’s music are, in themselves, a tribute—crafted by the legend himself while alive. “Let his music speak,” KOD’s post implied, as he called on the industry to honour Lumba by preserving his original works rather than attempting to recreate his magic posthumously.
The call adds a new layer to ongoing discussions about how best to commemorate cultural icons in Ghana, especially those whose artistic contributions already serve as lasting memorials.
As fans prepare to mark the one-week observance of the singer’s passing, KOD’s appeal is likely to spark broader reflection on how best to honour a legacy already etched in the hearts of many.
