N※N

Show Media and Entertainment Publications

How Davido honoured Daddy Lumba during a concert in Canada

Davido's Heartfelt Tribute to Daddy Lumba Lights Up Canadian Concert

In a vibrant display of cross-cultural appreciation and musical homage, Nigerian superstar Davido took the stage at a packed concert in Canada and delivered an unforgettable tribute to Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba. The event, which unfolded amid cheers and applause from an enthusiastic crowd, highlighted the unifying power of African music and showcased Davido's deep respect for the icons who paved the way in the industry. This moment not only thrilled fans but also sparked widespread discussions on social media about the bridges being built between Nigerian and Ghanaian music scenes.

The concert, held at a prominent venue in Toronto, was part of Davido's ongoing international tour, promoting his latest album and celebrating his global hits. Known for his energetic performances and chart-topping tracks like "Fall" and "If," Davido has long been a bridge between Afrobeats and the broader African diaspora. However, on this particular night, he shifted the spotlight to honor a figure from Ghana's rich musical heritage. Daddy Lumba, whose real name is Charles Kwadwo Fosu, is a towering presence in highlife music, with a career spanning over three decades. His timeless songs, such as "Aben Wo Ha" and "Theresa," have become anthems in Ghana and beyond, influencing generations of artists across West Africa.

As the concert reached its peak, Davido paused his set to address the audience directly. With a beaming smile, he shared how Daddy Lumba's music had inspired him during his formative years. "Growing up, I listened to a lot of African legends, and Daddy Lumba is one of them," Davido reportedly said, his voice echoing through the arena. He then launched into a soulful rendition of one of Lumba's classic tracks, infusing it with his signature Afrobeats flair while maintaining the essence of the original highlife rhythm. The crowd, a diverse mix of Africans, Canadians, and music enthusiasts from various backgrounds, erupted in applause. Many in the audience, particularly those of Ghanaian descent, sang along passionately, turning the moment into a collective celebration of cultural pride.

This tribute was more than just a performance; it was a deliberate nod to the interconnectedness of African music genres. Highlife, originating from Ghana in the early 20th century, blends traditional Akan rhythms with Western influences like jazz and calypso. Daddy Lumba has been instrumental in evolving this genre, incorporating contemporary elements while preserving its soulful core. Davido, on the other hand, represents the modern Afrobeats wave, which draws from highlife, hiplife, and other African sounds to create globally appealing music. By honoring Lumba, Davido acknowledged the foundational role that Ghanaian artists have played in shaping what we now know as Afrobeats.

Social media buzzed immediately after the concert, with videos of the tribute going viral on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Fans praised Davido for his humility and for shining a light on African legends who often don't receive the international recognition they deserve. One Twitter user wrote, "Davido just proved why he's the king of unity in African music. Shouting out Daddy Lumba in Canada? That's real respect!" Another fan, presumably Ghanaian, commented, "As a Ghanaian in Toronto, this made my night. Davido, you're family now!" The moment also reignited conversations about collaborations between Nigerian and Ghanaian artists, with many speculating if this could lead to a joint project between Davido and Lumba.

Daddy Lumba himself responded to the tribute via his social media channels, expressing gratitude and surprise. In a post, he shared a clip of the performance and wrote, "Thank you, @davido, for keeping the spirit of highlife alive on the world stage. Music knows no borders!" This exchange further amplified the story, drawing attention from music outlets across Africa and the diaspora. It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Davido has paid homage to other African artists; he has previously collaborated with or shouted out figures like South Africa's Focalistic and Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz, reinforcing his role as a pan-African ambassador.

The significance of this event extends beyond the concert itself. In an era where African music is gaining unprecedented global traction—thanks to artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and now Davido—tributes like this serve as reminders of the roots. Highlife, often overshadowed by the explosive rise of Afrobeats, gets a much-needed boost when younger stars like Davido reference it. For the Ghanaian community in Canada, which numbers over 20,000 according to recent estimates, such moments foster a sense of belonging and cultural continuity. Attendees at the concert described the atmosphere as electric, with the tribute bridging generational gaps—older fans reminiscing about Lumba's heyday, while younger ones discovering his music through Davido's lens.

Delving deeper into Daddy Lumba's legacy, he burst onto the scene in the 1980s as part of the duo Lumba Brothers alongside Nana Acheampong. Their album "Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu" became a massive hit, establishing them as highlife pioneers. Lumba went solo in the 1990s, releasing a string of successful albums that tackled themes of love, society, and politics. Songs like "Obi Ate Me So Buo" and "Bribi Gye Gye Wo" not only dominated airwaves but also influenced the socio-political discourse in Ghana. His ability to blend humor, storytelling, and infectious melodies has earned him the moniker "The King of Highlife." Even today, at over 50 years old, Lumba continues to perform and release music, proving his enduring relevance.

Davido's choice to honor him in Canada is particularly poignant given the growing African diaspora in North America. Cities like Toronto have become hubs for African cultural events, with festivals celebrating everything from Afro-Caribbean rhythms to West African beats. This concert added to that tapestry, showing how music can transcend geographical boundaries. Fans who couldn't attend shared their excitement online, with some even creating mashups of Davido's hits with Lumba's classics, further blurring the lines between genres.

Critics and music analysts have lauded the tribute as a masterclass in cultural diplomacy. In an industry often criticized for its rivalries—think the occasional Nigeria-Ghana music debates—acts like this promote solidarity. It also highlights Davido's personal growth as an artist. From his early days under the DMW label to becoming a global icon with endorsements from brands like Puma and features on international tracks, Davido has always emphasized giving back. His philanthropy, through initiatives like the Davido Foundation, mirrors this ethos of upliftment.

As the night wound down, Davido wrapped up his set with a medley of his own songs, but the Lumba tribute remained the highlight. Attendees left the venue buzzing with energy, many discussing how such moments make concerts more than just entertainment—they become cultural milestones. For Daddy Lumba, this international shoutout could introduce his music to a new generation of listeners, potentially sparking a highlife revival in the streaming era.

In conclusion, Davido's honor to Daddy Lumba during his Canadian concert was a beautiful testament to the shared heritage of African music. It reminded everyone that while borders may divide nations, melodies unite souls. As African sounds continue to conquer global stages, expect more such tributes that honor the past while paving the way for the future. This event in Toronto will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in fostering unity across the continent's musical landscape.

(Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full Ghanaweb.com Article at:
[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/How-Davido-honoured-Daddy-Lumba-during-a-concert-in-Canada-1993482 ]