Video of Daddy Lumba uniting Ghana’s former presidents Kufuor and Rawlings with his song resurface warning hearts of Ghanaians
In a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy, the late Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba brought former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings together at the inaugural Legends and Legacy Ball in 2011, dispelling rumors of lingering tension between the two political giants.
Video of Daddy Lumba uniting Ghana’s former presidents Kufuor and Rawlings with his song
This event, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, was a celebration of Daddy Lumba’s illustrious career but also became a symbol of reconciliation, as the two leaders, from opposing political sides, shared the stage and danced to Lumba’s music.
The moment was particularly poignant given the historical animosity between Kufuor and Rawlings, who had publicly clashed over issues ranging from flood accusations to political legacies, making their cordial interaction a rare sight.
The Legends and Legacy Ball, inspired by events like Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball, showcased the power of music to transcend political divides. Daddy Lumba, whose career spanned nearly four decades and whose death in July 2025 at the age of 60 was mourned nationwide, used his platform to foster unity, a testament to his enduring influence beyond music.
The event saw Kufuor and Rawlings not only seated close to each other but also engaging in light-hearted moments, with Kufuor even dancing with Rawlings’ wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, while Rawlings watched approvingly. This act of camaraderie was a stark contrast to their previous public spats, including a 2019 incident where Rawlings blamed Kufuor for flooding in Accra, highlighting the depth of their past discord.
The significance of this moment was not lost on attendees and onlookers, as it underscored the potential for cultural figures to mediate and heal societal rifts. Daddy Lumba’s performance of his hit song “Aben wo ha” brought the two former presidents onto the stage, a gesture that Lumba himself acknowledged with gratitude, thanking them for setting a positive example for younger generations.
This event remains a cherished memory in Ghanaian history, illustrating how music and cultural events can serve as bridges in a politically divided landscape. The legacy of Daddy Lumba, therefore, extends beyond his musical contributions to include his role as a peacemaker, a legacy that continues to resonate four years after his passing.
As Ghana reflects on Daddy Lumba’s life and career, the 2011 Legends and Legacy Ball stands out as a pivotal moment that highlighted his ability to unite even the most polarized figures. The event’s success in bringing together Kufuor and Rawlings, despite their history, serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of cultural icons in fostering national unity.
In a world often divided by politics, Daddy Lumba’s actions at the ball offer a blueprint for how art and music can heal and reconcile, leaving a lasting impression on Ghana’s social and political fabric. His death in 2025 has reignited appreciation for such moments, ensuring that his legacy as both a musical icon and a unifier will echo through the ages.
