2025 Artiste of the Year, King Promise, has disclosed that he has been working on a joint album with Daddy Lumba just weeks before the veteran musician's passing.

In a tribute to the late highlife icon on Facebook, King Promise, born Gregory Bortey Newman, wrote of his disbelief and heartbreak, recounting the personal time he spent with the late musician just two months ago.

“I write this with a heavy heart,” he began. “Two months ago, the legend and I decided to work on a joint album together. He stayed away from the public eye but invited me into his personal home.”

The album, he explained, was set to feature a blend of classic Daddy Lumba sounds and new musical styles. The project would have been a bridge between generations, a fusion of highlife tradition and contemporary Ghanaian pop.

• Read also: Highlife legend Daddy Lumba passes away at 60

“We were going to sample some of his classics and create a new fusion sound, as he loved what I have already done,” King Promise revealed.

The young artiste described his awe and humility at being personally invited into Daddy Lumba’s inner circle, and the moment the legend expressed admiration for his work.

“Imagine Daddy Lumba telling me how much he loved me and was proud of me. Dumbfounded, because I couldn’t believe I was sitting in his living room alone with him, getting advice from the GOAT himself and planning this big surprise.”

However, the planned project came to an abrupt and tragic end when King Promise received news of Daddy Lumba’s death—news he initially hoped was false.

“I was hoping this morning’s story was a hoax after so many of them… but this time, sadly, it wasn’t.”

He ended the tribute with a message of respect, remembrance, and resolve to honour the legacy of the man he called “Papa”.

“RIP Papa. Heartfelt condolences to the family. We will forever keep your name and legacy flying. Sleep well.”