Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has shared heartfelt reflections on the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, describing him as an enigmatic and eccentric figure whose true personality remained elusive, even to those who worked closely with him.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, 28th July, Mr Okraku-Mantey remarked, “Lumba, I’m not sure anybody in the industry can say that, ‘I really know him.’ I want to see that person who will come out and say [they do].”

According to him, his interactions with the celebrated musician were strictly professional, but even in that context, Lumba's personality stood out. “Off work, he is the love-me, hate-me type of character,” he said, pointing to the complex nature of the late icon.

Mr Okraku-Mantey observed that while many have publicly praised Daddy Lumba over the years, others who have had personal encounters with him may have a more nuanced perspective.

“I’m sure people who have worked with him, who have heard very good things about him right now, some of them are also saying, ‘Is this the same Lumba they are talking about?’ Because if he has to be tough and rough, he can be. And he can be extremely nice,” he explained.

He also cited a memorable phrase Daddy Lumba once used on his radio station, DL FM: “Makra mo, abia na mu ehu me biom”—translated as, “Goodbye, perhaps you may never see me again.” The line, he noted, dates back to the Biribi Gyegye Wo album, released around the time he completed his studies at St Augustine’s College.

Describing Lumba as an “eccentric performer”, Mr Okraku-Mantey said such characteristics are often found in truly exceptional artistes.

“Most great performers are eccentric. You need that level of mind to be able to become as great as they become. It is difficult to understand such people,” he added.

Daddy Lumba passed away on Saturday, 26th July, at the Bank Hospital in Accra after a short illness. His death marks the end of an era for Ghanaian highlife music.