Eight ‘sing-alikes’ of Daddy Lumba mistaken for the original

Daddy Lumba’s voice is one of the most distinct in Ghanaian music history. Over three decades, his vocal style, stagecraft and lyrical dexterity did not only make him a household name but also inspired a generation of musicians who sound remarkably like him.

Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba, burst onto the Ghanaian music scene in 1989 with ‘Yereye Aka Akwantuo Mu’, a collaboration with Nana Acheampong under the Lumba Brothers tag. He released thirty-three (33) chart-topping songs, cementing his status as one of the greatest highlife musicians of all time.

Here are eight musicians who share vocal similarities with the ‘Aben Waha’ hitmaker.

i. Dada KD

Born Dada Kwaku Duah, Dada KD was celebrated for his silky voice and love-themed songs. He began his career at the age of seven, became an instrumentalist and played in the church. Some of his popular tracks include ‘Ebeboawo,’ ‘Obiara Se Eye,’ ‘Somgye’ and ‘Mewura.’

He performed with bands like RELATIVES in Germany, Kojo Antwi’s Band, Tropical Vibes in Accra and Amakye Dede’s band. Dada KD passed away on 16th May 2025.

ii. Paapa Shee

Once known as the Wonder Boy, Paapa Shee is famed for hits such as ‘Koyoonsor,’ ‘Atadwe,’ ‘Yaa Asantewa’ and ‘Atepa.’ He was the first Ghanaian musician to release a DVD and performed extensively in the United States.

Having danced since childhood, he became a lead dancer for artistes like Daddy Lumba and the late Akwasi Amphofo Adjei. He is now a minister of the gospel.

iii. Ofori Amponsah

A protégé of Daddy Lumba, Ofori Amponsah first gained prominence when he featured on Lumba’s ‘Wo Ho Kyere’ album, where their voices were almost indistinguishable. He later released ‘Asew’ in 2001 and followed up with albums like ‘Mepraw’ and the smash hit ‘Otoolege.’

In 2005, he won seven awards at the Ghana Music Awards, including Artiste of the Year. Though he briefly ventured into gospel ministry, he returned to secular music with ‘Alewa’ in 2015.

iv. Kofi Nti

Born on 25th January 1980 in Aburi, Kofi Nti’s smooth delivery and tone mirror that of Lumba. His popular songs include ‘Rakia,’ which featured KK Fosu, Ofori Amponsah and Barosky, as well as ‘Monica,’ ‘Atwetan’ and ‘Odo Nwom.’

v. Ama Ba

Ama Ba, born George Kwabena Opoku, is often cited as one of the closest vocal matches to Daddy Lumba before the rise of Anokye Supremo. Though not as active in recent years, he is known for tracks such as ‘Lady Wei.’

In October 2016, he transitioned to gospel music with his album ‘My Soul,’ which features songs like ‘Onim Nea Oye’ and ‘Ebenezer.’

vi. Richie Rich

Richie Rich gained recognition for his choruses on C-Zar’s ‘Mercy Loko’ and ‘Befe Ma No.’ Influenced by Daddy Lumba and Ofori Amponsah, he went on to collaborate with Ofori Amponsah and released his own songs, including ‘Nsroma’ and ‘Tasty.’

vii. Anokye Supremo

Emmanuel Kwame Anokye, popularly known as Anokye Supremo, not only sang like Daddy Lumba but also bore a striking resemblance to him. He emerged from TV Africa’s ‘Just Like You’ reality show in 2010, where he imitated Lumba.

In 2018, Daddy Lumba filed a lawsuit against him for alleged impersonation so he had to change his name from DL Junior to Anokye Supremo. Anokye died on 30th January 2019 in India after undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.

viii. Sika Pelli (Quabena Ampadu)

Sika Pelli, also known as Quabena Ampadu, has often expressed his admiration for Daddy Lumba and has performed his songs at various events. A skilled guitarist, he has played with Nana Acheampong’s Global Band and other groups.

He won a ‘sing like Daddy Lumba’ contest on TV3 and has two albums, featuring songs like ‘Me Haw,’ ‘True Love,’ ‘Okukuseku’ and ‘Mekaikai.’

Daddy Lumba, who passed away in 2025, leaves behind a legacy that shaped modern highlife. His extensive catalogue of hits, including ‘Aben Waha,’ ‘Yentie Obiaa,’ and ‘Theresa,’ redefined the genre.

Beyond his music, he mentored many younger artistes, helping to sustain the highlife tradition. His influence is evident in the works of those who continue to echo his sound and style.

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