The burial service for the late Gospel icon Kofi Owusu Dua-Anto, better known as KODA was held at the KICC Dominion Centre at Spintex Road in Accra.
The funeral service which took on Friday, September 20, gathered several prominent figures from Ghana’s gospel music industry
These musicians shared heartfelt tributes and fond memories of their relationships with the celebrated producer and musician, reflecting on his profound impact on both their careers and the gospel music scene in Ghana.
Among those who spoke were gospel icons Nii Okai, and Joe Mettle. Nii Okoi described KODA as a remarkable and irreplaceable figure in the industry.
“KODA was special. Because he could tell the heart of what you have received and he will meet you at that point and carry you further. So whenever KODA was always ministering, I can’t say there is a replacement of KODA but what I can say is that KODA birth many KODAs that are coming up,” he stated.
Award-winning gospel musician, Joe Mettle, also shared his connection with KODA, who he revealed produced his very first single.
“KODA was more like a brother, we were moving in this industry together. I think he was the one who produced my very first single. Once you know that the late Danny Nartey is involved, KODA will also be involved.
“I remember I had a project and I was going to work with Cyril and he asked me to go to Danny. He [Danny] said he had to check if the project was going to be okay then he also sent it to KODA and through that, we got to relate. I don’t know how we are going to handle it but God will give us grace,” he stated.
Eugene Zuta, another prominent gospel artist, spoke about his long-standing relationship with KODA, which began over two decades ago when Zuta was a music director in Cape Coast.
“I met KODA when I was a music director in Cape Coast and he was the one who introduced me to music recording. That is why now I am a recording artiste. I’ve worked with him for the past twenty years and he’s been more than just a producer for me. He’s been a brother and a friend. My heart has been heavy and I thank God that we could give him a befitting burial,” He continued: he also added.
He continued: “… for us though we are sad, our brother is just asleep and there will be a resurrection morning and we will join him to say ‘oh brother you slept early and we have now joined you.”
Ace Anan Ankomah, a legal practitioner, also paid tribute to KODA. He reminisced about the close bond they shared, especially in the production of music.
“I’ve been part of this life, I have seen his music. When Kofi returned from the USA, he told me he was back in town and he said ‘the project we were working on for Joyful Way Inc. Kofi and I finished 12 songs in about two weeks. He sent the last track to me on Thursday, and on Sunday morning they called me to say that he was admitted. When I got there, I knew that that was it. So, we were that close,” he added.
Ankomah praised KODA’s unparalleled talent, describing him as a singular figure in Ghana’s music industry.
“I’ve run out of words to describe him. People don’t realise that in the middle of our work, I posted something about the fact that if you want a sound engineer, it is Kofi and in a month he passed,” he added.
By:William Odoi
