Ofori Amponsah has shared a powerful reflection on the early days of his music career, spotlighting the moment when highlife legend Daddy Lumba recognized his talent and helped set him on the road to stardom.
In a video circulating on TikTok, Ofori opened up about how a casual visit to a music store turned into a life-altering experience. At the time, he was just a budding artist with a demo tape and a dream.
“I took my demo to a music store, I met a guy, and I told him to listen to the demo and give me feedback. The guy listened to the songs and surprisingly asked me if I was the one who sang it. When I said yes, he said that’s a powerful song so I should take the songs to Daddy Lumba,” he recounted.
Spurred by the encouragement, Ofori set out to locate Daddy Lumba, but not everyone believed in his chances.
“I asked the guy where I would meet him, he said Daddy Lumba was around and helping the young ones so I can try my luck. When I went to submit my demo, I met a man and the man nearly discouraged me, saying Daddy Lumba wouldn’t help me so I should forget about it,” Ofori divulged.
Unfazed, he pressed on. Days later, he got the call that would change everything.
“I was later called that Daddy Lumba wanted to see me, so I went inside. I saw him but he didn’t say a word to me and went inside. I started wondering if I’d done something wrong.”
But what happened next exceeded all his expectations. Not only did Daddy Lumba take notice, he extended both guidance and generosity.
“When he came back, he brought an envelope, handed it over to me and it was 5 million old currency. Then he said I should use the money for demos, I’m a star and I will become like him. I was shocked because I’ve suffered for three years. He said I should do a new song, and he will produce me.”
That moment marked the beginning of a long mentorship between the two artistes, one that would span years and shape Ofori’s entire trajectory.
“Meeting Daddy Lumba from the beginning, things were not smooth as people think. I was under him for almost six years. We signed contract two months after meeting him, but it took six years for me to come out. I never gave up and I later got the opportunity to get closer to him,” he stated.
