Mac Tontoh Buried

“Oh Mac Tontoh, we don’t believe you are dead. Who would continue your good musical art? Oh no! Mac, is it true you are dead? We will remember you in our daily activities.”

These were some of the sorrowful words that could be heard from family and friends as Mac Tontoh of Osibisa fame was being laid to rest last Saurday.

He was buried at the Kyerepatre Royal Cemetary after a burial service at the Saint Peters Catholic Church at Roman Hill in Kumasi. It was an emotional sight as family and friends found it difficult to come to terms with the fact that the music icon was no more; some even stayed till the grave was covered before saying farewell.

Mac Tontoh’s children and some relatives broke down in tears when one of Osibisa’s hits was played after the burial.

Mac Tontoh, who was a founding member of Osibisa, died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on August 16 this year after a long struggle with a number of illnesses including stroke and diabetes. A number of musicians, including members of Osibisa and friends, were spotted at the funeral. The burial was however not attended by music stakeholders as anticipated. Some of the musicians and fans sang hymns and paid tribute to Mac Tontoh.

In a tribute read by Teddy Osei, the leader of Osibisa group, he stated that Mac was a man who showed drive, imagination and positive thinking in all his endeavours and it was a delight and pleasure to be in his company.

He said since infancy, the deceased showed a great deal of interest in music and it was just a delight to watch him sing. “I am more than proud that I encouraged him to join me in music and he never disappointed me or our parents. He has brought more joy and happiness to the world and has been a worthwhile pioneer to fusion music through his traditional background. Mac was a very kind person, always willing to help especially when music is concerned.”

In a tribute by Mrs. Lily Tontoh Tabiri, Mac Tontoh’s daughter, she recounted some of the memorable moments she shared with her father. She said independence and self-reliance were some of the values her dad thought her. “Daddy was selfless and always made problems easy though they were difficult. You always taught me to be content in life, just like you. He loved to entertain my friends and I with singing and playing his trumpet to entertain them.”

The funeral witnessed live musical performances by prominent musicians including K.K Kabobo, Amanzeba Nat Brew, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Carlos Sakyi and a host of others.