Interview with Daddy Lumba in Chicago

INTERVIEW WITH DADDY LUMBA: TO PERFORM IN CHICAGO, COLUMBUS AND HOLLYWOOD

On the verge of embarking on a U.S. Tour, Daddy Lumba is set to prove to his fans that indeed he is still the reigning champion when it comes to Highlife music. During this tour, he will be performing in Chicago on December 10, in Columbus, OH December 17, and in Hollywood, CA Dec. 24. Daddy Lumba agreed to this interview from Cologne, Germany at his residence.

Spectrum: It is an honor talking to you today. After all these years of listening to your music and your voice, I cannot believe that I am finally getting the opportunity to talk to you. Thank you for giving me this privilege.

Lumba: Thank you it is a pleasure.

Spectrum: Word has been spreading that you will not show up. What can you say about this?

Lumba: I have heard all those rumors and contrary to what they say, believe me I will be there. That is what I do for a living therefore if a contract is ratified and bonded, there is no reason why I will not abide by it. Most of the time, people just spread the word that I will be appearing some where even though I may not be aware of it. There are those who intentionally spread false rumors at the expense of others. It is just amazing how people say what comes to their minds. Our people have tendencies to exaggerate. You would not believe what people say about me. From what you hear, people say that I am incarcerated in some prison somewhere for dealing drugs and they concoct some bizarre stories about me, stories that I find it hard to believe. Sometimes I wonder what motivates people to do what they do.

Spectrum: For the last 20 years, you have managed to stay in the spotlight by releasing an album every year. How do you do this?

Lumba: I thank the almighty God for this talent. It is not easy to achieve this feat however, if you believe in God, everything is possible. I have had the good fortune to be blessed. Music is my life and I do what I can to make sure that I keep my numerous fans entertained. I am on the threshold of releasing my latest album entitled ?Give Peace A Chance?. It is my 21st and my best work yet. That will drop in Chicago when I appear there.

Spectrum: ?Give Peace A Chance?? Interesting. What motivated you to come up with such a title?

Lumba: Well, this album is about social injustice. I mean we always stand by and see our heroes fall without doing anything about it. We have to work together to maintain peace on earth. There is too much fighting and no end in sight. Another track on the album that will move my fans is called ?Wo Kae Kae?.

Spectrum: About your collaboration with other artists like Ofori Amponsah, Borax and others, how do you go about choosing who your next prot?g? or partner will be?

Lumba: Usually, when I go to the studios for some recording sessions, I keep a keen eye on new talent. As you know there is a lot of young talent out there waiting to be discovered. Thank God I am in the position to help upstarts. As a matter of fact, my

newest prot?g? is called Abigail Appenteng and her album is entitled ?Osoro Nkyen Ene?.

Spectrum: What message do you have for the young and aspiring musicians? Also growing up as a young boy in Ghana, do you have any role models who influenced you with their music?

Lumba: My advice to the young and upcoming musicians is to let them know that this is not a one time business. It is an arduous, lasting and painstaking endeavor especially if you want to stay on the scene for a long time. It is a competitive business and talents abound everywhere you look. Keep up your dreams, reach for your goals and prosperity will be yours. As far as my role models are concerned, the only one that comes to mind is Kwasi Ampofo Agyei. To me he was instrumental in giving me the inspiration to become a musician.

Spectrum: You have been in the public eye for so long, how do you keep people from harassing and throwing themselves at you in public?

Lumba: I am a very private and spiritual person. I like going to church. However, I spend most of my time at home. I also enjoy going out to clubs and restaurants occasionally. As much as I try to stay unnoticed, there are instances where people recognize me and subsequently try to sneak in a conversation or two.

Spectrum: Watching your concerts on DVD, I can tell that you are more flexible in Europe, particularly Amsterdam than in the U.S. is there a reason why?

Lumba: Wow, that?s funny! There is no reason why I look relaxed. I will be relaxed everywhere as long as the setting is right with me. It is just that I have noticed in Europe, when I get to the venue, things go according to plan unlike other places. As a musician, I get excited when things are in order. It gives me the vim to perform to my utmost best.

Spectrum: You have an uncanny ability to coin phrases. How do you do that? Also people have trouble understanding what you are saying on your albums, is your new album going to have the same flavor of teasing the public with phrases that we cannot actually interpret?

Lumba: God gives me the wisdom and courage to do what I do. Sometimes I am amazed at myself for some of the phrases I coin. It is a gift that I do not know how to explain. As far as interpreting my music, on this new album ?Give Peace A Chance?, I believe most people will understand the words because it is more of a precise delivery and people can identify with them.

Spectrum: With this vast catalog of yours, how do you select the music that you perform at your concerts?

Lumba: For the simple part, I try to perform at least one song on every album during my shows. This way I try to satisfy all in attendance. Either way I believe that most fans

leave my show very happy.

Spectrum: Now for the question that everyone wants me to ask. What does Lumba mean and how did you come up with that name?

Lumba: Lumba means freedom. As a student at Juaben Secondary School, I was the choir master and once we did a song about freedom fighters in South Africa. Since then people started calling me Lumba and this name has stuck with me since.

Spectrum: Thank you very much for this insightful interview. We are looking forward to seeing you in the U.S. pretty soon.

Lumba: Thanks! It has been a pleasure.

For the Chicago show, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased only at the box ticket located at 321 N. Dearborn or by logging on to House of Blues? website at www.hob.com

or www.african-spectrum.com for more information.

For information on the Columbus and Hollywood tickets please contact Nana Yaw at 909-559-3406. In order not to be left in the cold, please purchase your tickets on time.