Event organizer Nabil Alhassan has revealed a behind-the-scenes twist surrounding the much-talked-about “Valentine with Daddy Lumba” concert held on February 15, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) – Grand Arena. Speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z with Kwame Dadzie, Nabil disclosed that the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba personally requested the removal of Ofori Amponsah from the concert’s lineup just days before the show.
According to Nabil, the unexpected request came after all arrangements and publicity had been completed. The event had been heavily promoted and was one of the most anticipated Valentine’s shows of the year, featuring some of Ghana’s finest live performers. "We had made the first payment, everything was confirmed, and publicity was ongoing. Then one day, I received a call from Serwaa Amihere, who told me that Daddy Lumba wanted to speak to me about something important. When I picked up, he said, ‘Nabil, how are you? I want you to take Ofori off the show,’” Nabil recounted during the interview.
The revelation has reignited conversations about the complex relationship between two of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians — Daddy Lumba and Ofori Amponsah — whose musical bond dates back decades but has also seen moments of tension.
Lumba’s Sudden Request
Nabil explained that Daddy Lumba made the call through broadcast journalist Serwaa Ami here, who served as the intermediary between the artiste and the organizers. At that point, tickets had already gone on sale, and marketing campaigns were in full swing.
Startled by the demand, Nabil said he asked Lumba why he wanted Ofori Amponsah removed from the show after initially approving the lineup. Lumba, he said, replied that Ofori was never part of his original plan and that he had learned of unpleasant remarks Ofori had allegedly made about him." He told me he heard Ofori had said certain things about him which didn’t sit well with him. So, he didn’t want to share the stage with him,” Nabil recalled.
The event organizer said he was surprised by Lumba’s position, especially since Ofori Amponsah had performed at Lumba’s birthday celebration just a few days earlier, giving the impression that their relationship was cordial. "It was shocking because they had recently performed together at Lumba’s birthday show. So, I didn’t expect this. But as an organizer, you have to stay calm and manage situations professionally,” he explained.
Event Went Ahead — Ofori Performed
Despite Lumba’s initial objection, Nabil confirmed that Ofori Amponsah eventually performed at the concert. According to him, after several discussions and attempts to resolve the misunderstanding, the show went on with both artistes on the bill. "At the end of the day, Ofori performed. We didn’t want to disappoint fans who had already bought tickets to see him. The concert was about love, and we wanted to keep that spirit,” he said.
The Valentine with Daddy Lumba concert turned out to be a major success, attracting a packed audience and receiving glowing reviews for its production, atmosphere, and star performances. It became one of the most memorable live appearances of Daddy Lumba’s later years.
A Long-Awaited Collaboration
Nabil revealed that the 2025 show was the second time he had attempted to work with Daddy Lumba. His first effort dates back to 2012, when he tried to book the highlife icon for a concert but was unable to meet Lumba’s asking fee. “In 2012, I tried to put up a show with him, but I couldn’t raise the GH₵300,000 he charged at the time. It was a huge amount, so the project didn’t happen,” he said with a laugh.
After more than a decade, Nabil and his team at Event Factory Ghana finally succeeded in bringing Lumba to the Grand Arena stage a feat many event planners had found difficult due to the musician’s selective nature and limited public appearances.
The concert, themed around love and highlife nostalgia, was designed to bring together generations of music lovers who grew up on Lumba’s timeless hits. Songs like “Aben Wo Ha,” “Theresa,” and “Dangerous” filled the air, reminding fans why the highlife maestro remained an undisputed legend.
Lumba and Ofori: A Complicated Friendship
The relationship between Daddy Lumba (Charles Kwadwo Fosu) and Ofori Amponsah has long fascinated Ghanaian music fans. Ofori, once a protégé of Lumba, worked closely with him in the early 2000s, co-writing and performing hits such as “Wo Ho Kyere” and “Emmanuella.” Their collaborations helped redefine modern highlife, blending romantic themes with smooth contemporary rhythms.
However, over the years, rumours of tension occasionally surfaced, often dismissed by both artistes. The 2025 incident, as narrated by Nabil, sheds new light on what may have been an undercurrent of disagreement between the two icons.
Still, both artistes continued to command immense respect from their fans, and their individual contributions to Ghana’s music industry remain undisputed.
A Legacy of Great Shows
The Valentine with Daddy Lumba concert has since gone down as one of Ghana’s standout live events of 2025. Despite the backstage drama, it showcased the enduring power of highlife music to unite generations.
Nabil expressed pride in the outcome, noting that it reaffirmed his company’s commitment to curating top-tier live experiences.
“It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. The crowd was electric, and Lumba gave a spectacular performance. We’ll always remember it as one of our best productions,” he concluded.
As fans continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Daddy Lumba, who passed away months after the historic show, this revelation adds a fascinating chapter to the story of two men whose artistry shaped Ghana’s music landscape for decades.
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