As tributes continue to pour in following the passing of Ghanaian music legend Daddy Lumba, a poignant new chapter in his life story has surfaced. In an emotional interview on Angel FM, Lumba’s former teacher and godmother, Mama Acheampong, has shed light on the singer’s youthful romance with Theresa Abebrese, the woman immortalized in one of his most iconic songs.
According to Mama Acheampong, the separation between Lumba and Theresa was not a result of neglect or ambition, but rather family pressure. “Even after he left for Germany, they still loved each other and stayed in touch,” she said. “It wasn’t distance that broke them, it was Theresa’s father.”
She explained that Theresa’s wealthy father orchestrated her marriage to another man, effectively ending the budding romance. The decision devastated the young Lumba, who reportedly channeled his heartbreak into music, penning several songs that hinted at the emotional pain and his resentment toward her new husband.
A Teenage Love That Transformed a Life
Theresa Abebrese was not just a high school sweetheart. As classmates at New Juaben Senior High School, Theresa played a foundational role in Lumba’s life. According to Mama Acheampong, she supported him financially, provided meals, and even helped him secure an opportunity to travel abroad, a turning point that would launch his music career in Germany.
“She was more than a girlfriend,” Mama Acheampong said. “She was his angel in disguise.”
Despite their eventual marriages to other people, Lumba never forgot Theresa. He openly acknowledged her impact on his journey, most notably through his timeless hit song “Theresa”, which remains one of the most celebrated records in Ghanaian music history.
A Love Story Cut Short – But Never Forgotten
The revelation adds a deeply human dimension to the legacy of Daddy Lumba, whose music often blended personal storytelling with social commentary. Fans have long speculated about the true story behind the Theresa song, and now, decades later, the pieces are beginning to fall into place.
“He truly loved her,” Mama Acheampong emphasized. “And he always remembered what she did for him.”
Her heartfelt recollection offers a glimpse into the personal pain that shaped Lumba’s artistic brilliance, reaffirming the emotional depth behind the music that made him a national treasure.
As Ghana mourns the loss of a musical icon, stories like these continue to remind the nation of the man behind the legend, one whose heart, like his melodies, beat with unforgettable passion.
