Ghana’s music legend, Daddy Lumba, may have achieved monumental success in his career, but his closest confidant, Ernest Toah Akonor (E.T. Akonor Jnr), has revealed a poignant truth—the Highlife maestro harboured a dream he never got to fulfil: becoming a Pan-Africanist.

Beyond the chart-topping hits and sold-out concerts, Lumba envisioned using his influence to champion African unity and cultural exchange across the continent.

Tragically, that dream was cut short by his sudden passing on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital, Accra.

In an emotional interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, July 29, at his East Legon residence, Mr Akonor—Lumba’s best friend, whom he met 32 years ago but bonded closely with in the last 10 years—shared intimate details about the icon’s aspirations.

Mr Akonor, also known as E.T., noted that even though he could authoritatively say Lumba was fulfilled as a musician, the latter looked forward to being a Pan-African advocate to promote African unity.

“He was fulfilled as a musician. He achieved everything he set out to do. He battled with health issues and prayed he celebrated his 60th birthday, which he did last year. But one thing he couldn’t accomplish was his desire to promote African unity as a Pan-Africanist. After reaching the peak of his career, he felt the time was right to use his platform for something bigger. Sadly, life had other plans.”

E.T., who speaks fondly of his departed friend, noted Lumba’s ability to embody both fame and popularity as a rare feat in the entertainment industry.

“His popularity is unmatched. It is very difficult to get someone who is famous and popular at the same time. Being famous or popular is not the same, but he embodied both, which made him not your regular artiste. He was a gem.”

The bond between Lumba and E.T. could be described as one of destiny. Their first meeting was in 1993 at a Kaneshie mechanic shop, where they bonded over Lumba’s then-hit Biribi Gyegye Wo.

“We played the song, laughed at the lyrics, and connected instantly,” E.T. reminisced.

But life pulled them apart—until fate intervened again. They reconnected during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, then again at Legends Night in 2011. However, it was a 2015 reunion, sparked by a simple phone call and a visit, that cemented their unbreakable bond.

“Lumba was an introvert, so when he followed me home after my first visit, he jokingly asked if I had charmed him since that was something he hardly did. It was after that that we built a strong bond and he would later publicly call me his best friend, which no one ever contested.”

Akonor painted a portrait of Lumba as a very intelligent, wise person and meticulous artiste who consulted many, including musician Adomako Nyamekye, to perfect his lyrics.

“He wasn’t just a singer; he was a thinker. Every word in his songs carried weight.”

Despite his health challenges, Lumba remained dedicated to his craft, always writing songs and pushing the boundaries of his creativity. Even as his body weakened, his mind remained sharp, constantly crafting lyrics and refining his art.

“He wrote Yentie Obia in a wheelchair—that’s how dedicated he was.”

In the defence of his cherished friend, Mr Akonor slammed individuals spreading false information to tarnish Lumba’s reputation.

“I can tell you on authority that Daddy Lumba didn’t know about the events that people claimed they paid him to perform at. Even on the day he died, that is July 26, an event organiser was promoting him as a headline artiste for a show in the US, but we didn’t know anything about it.”

He prayed Lumba’s music would be institutionalised so that future generations would appreciate his gift.

“People listen to Bob Marley’s songs that were written 50 years ago. That’s the kind of memory I want for my brother, that 59 years down the line, people will still appreciate his music.”