DADDY LUMBA: WE LOVE YOU, YOUR MUSIC, BUT THIS BLEACHING MUST STOP!

Few would contest the fact that Daddy Lumba, born
Charles Kwadwo Fosu, is in the top three list of the
greatest musicians to bear Ghanaian nationality
together with music maestro Kojo Antwi and Iron
Boy Amakye Dede.
Born some 50 years ago, the Nsuta native debuted
on the highlife scene in the early 80’s with his
massive hit "Yeeye Aka Akwantuo Mu" with Nana
Acheampong and has since gone on to offer several
albums including Obi Ate Meso Buo, Sika Asem,
Ohia Asem, Playboy, Sesee Wo Se, Odo Foforo,
Biribi Gyegye Wo, Back For Good, Mesom Jesus,
Hwan Na Otene, Ebi Se Eye Aduro, Aben Wo Ha,
Adepa Hye Adepa Mu, Poison, Mato Odo Mu, Bubra,
Tokrom, Asee Ho, Odo Bewu Dee and Wo Ho Kyere.
Daddy Lumba (DL) has released over 25 albums as
a songwriter, singer or producer. In 1999, he won
three awards including best album and the most
popular song of the year at the Ghana Music
Awards.
Till date, he remains one of few consistent
hitmakers with offerings nearly every year. His
unpredictable nature fuels his appeal, for Lumba is
noted for his risqué lyrics and sensual music videos
yet he offereda gospel album to wide acclaim.
For many years he was based in Cologne, Germany
where together with his German sound engineer
churned hits for his fans but whiles recently
reviewing Lumba’s videos, a curious observation
unfolded.
Watching the Huhuuhu, Aben Wo Ha, Sesee Wose,
Bribi Gye Gye Wo and Nea Wuhu Beto Wu aka Yent
tie Obiaa videos one cannot help but notice the
coloured knuckles of DL, a symptom of bleaching.
Every man has a few vices but why Lumba chooses
to bleach beats the mind. He has tons of lady
admirers who would gladly warm his bed even
without enlightening his skin.
Perhaps just like Ama Boahemaa, the weather in
Germany and his love for milk might have caused
the toning. Perhaps his choice of soaps and creams
caused the disparity in skin colour.
As at 1995, the effect of bleaching was visible even
in his Bribi Gye Gye Wo video and a check on his
hand in the recently released Yen Tie Obiaa did not
help matters.
For whatever reason, popular figures in the
entertainment industry and society have just gone
from dark/moderate to lighter shades right under
our noses despite their vehement protestations.
Ama Boahemaa, Yvonne Nelson, Jackie Appiah,
Zynnell Zuh and our own Daddy could be cited.
It needs no telling the harmful effects of skin
bleaching and toning. Daddy, may I suggest shea
butter to you. It has a high content of non-
saponifiablefats and used by dermatologists to treat
eczema, dry, wrinkled skin, burns, and rashes. It is
an extremely good moisturizer penetrating the skin
easily to restore elasticity as well.
It’s also used as a natural sunscreen because of its
Vitamin K content. Others use it to prevent and heal
sunburn, scars, stretch marks, cold sores, and
diaper rash.
We can’t afford to have a repeat of the Michael
Jackson scenario, we love you, your music but this
bleaching/toning business ought to stop for your
sake and ours.
Source: Michaeleli Dokosi