A TRIBUTE TO KUMLA DUMOR by Daniel Nbompa Turay In the early hours of 18th January 2014 the world was gripped with a shocking and devastating news. The popular BBC Komla Dumor of Focus on Africa fame has died from cardiac arrest at age 41. Many could not believe especially those who either viewed or listened to his last presentation of Focus on Africa program the previous day. By dawn, as the news spread like wild fire by social media and other media outlets, the world began to come to terms with this saddened news. The sting of death has abruptly carted away this gen of a talent at his peak in the media world. Tributes poured from all around the globe from face book to tweeter, radio to TV stations, ordinary men to high profile persons. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan lamented “Africa has lost one of its brightest talents…” From his decade long exploit with JOY 99.7 FM in Ghana where he had his studio baptism and eventually won the Ghanaian Journalist of the years award in 2003 to his sojourned as anchor at the BBC, KUMLA had always strive for mastery and excellence in his cherished journalism career. Starting as a radio presenter with Network Africa in 2007, he quickly transformed himself into a TV Icon in 2009 with the inception of the TV BBC Focus on Africa program. The program became an instant success. Komla became an established news reader and his Africa Business Report was quite thrilling. He interviewed presidents and world leaders as well as war affected and other needy persons. He covered high profile events such as the death of Kim Jung il, the West gate Shopping Mall shooting, the 2010 World Cup and the recent funeral of Nelson Mandela. Indeed he was a great ambassador for the BBC. A week before his eternal call, he was appointed the lead face of BBC coverage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil – what a huge responsibility! But as hard working as Komla was, he had started his preparation, including learning the Brazil Portuguese language. Komla had a unique style of presentation – a commanding and articulate voice, impeccable eloquence, extreme confidence, and a deep sense of humor. This earned him the nick name “Boss Player” in his home country Ghana. His story’s contents were always of substance – bringing out detailed information in the most balanced formed, leaving viewers and listeners to make informed judgment.By this, he always avoided the pit fall of biasness that easily crumble decent journalism. He gave appropriate compliment to light-hearted and hard stories – he rejoiced with the successful and empathized with the sorrowful. My neighbor, who was disinterested in politics, confessed that the appealing and captivating style of Komla’s presentation successfully aroused his interest in world politics. Kumla’s broad smile and beaming face always glued viewers to the TV whilst his captivating voice compelled ears to radio. No doubt, BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Mishal Husain tweeted “The BBC family mourns the death of one of our brightest and best – big heart, big personality and a brilliant broadcaster”. The development of the Africa continent occupied a huge place in Komla’s heart. He knew the growth of the private sector was indispensable if the continent is to experience sustainable economic growth. He was fully aware that the tiny partitioning of Africa with its unfriendly trade borders were debilitating factors to the continent growth. Hence, in his BBC Africa Business Report program, he travelled the length and breath of the continent engaging governments and the continent’s top entrepreneurs as well as showcasing emerging businesses and innovations. Just because he was excited about the emerging film industry in Africa, without meeting any of the organizers, he readily accepted to serve as one of the judges at the Afrinolly Short Film Competition. While given a talk at TEDxEUSTON ‘Telling the African Story – Africa Rising’ podium, he pitched the Nigeria national anthem in a typical Nigeria style and in the next moment the whole amphitheatre went ablaze – an embodiment of an Africanless border. Charismatic! (I am sure he took some music lessons from his late grand father who designed Ghana’s national anthem). BBC Director of Global News Peter Harrocks rightly noted that “Africa’s energy and enthusiasm seemed to shine through every story Komla told”. No wonder he featured among the 100 most influential Africans in the New Africa Magazine November 2013 edition. You cannot separate Komla from sport, especially football. He passionately reported sports and behind the microphone, he was a huge fan of the Black Stars of Ghana. Together with Farai Mungazi and Peter Okwoche, they brilliantly reported various sporting disciplines from swimming to basket ball, athletic to karate, motor racing to soccer. He excellently covered the 2010 World Cup in South Africa establishing himself as the fans reporter. His recent appointment to lead the BBC coverage in Brazil will not be unconnected to his outstanding coverage of the South Africa World Cup. As a huge fan of the Black Stars, he was keenly interested in the team from camping preparation to performance in the pitch. Among his highlights for 2013 in his last article for the BBC website, Komla mentioned Ghana’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup as one of his brightest note. Perhaps the only way the Black Stars could do justice to the absence of this great fan is to excel in that tournament. The huddles Komla went through life provides a great inspiration for young people. Falling out from medical school in Nigeria at the tender age of 20 he was angry with him and the world and felt an embarrassment to his parents – a deep sense of responsibility underlined this self-whacking. Well, I have come to realized that often, particularly in the absence of counsel, multi-talented people find it difficult to concentrate in one career in the early years of their lives. Simply, because every career in competing for their attention. Back home, Komla quickly settled with a BA in Sociology & Psychology and an MPA at the prestigious Harvard University. He did not abandon schooling after his mishap in medical school. Rather, he braced himself with great determination, hard work and discipline to confront life more rigorously, knowing fully well that with these virtues and God on his side he can reach the highest in life. He ended up in a cherished career with a global elevation which I wonder if any other career would have earned him. In 2003 he won the Ghanaian Journalist Association Award and moved to the BBC fours years later were he reached the apex of his career - he mingled and dined with the cream de la cream of the world. He enjoyed it and found fulfillment. No wonder he is idolized in Ghana. His ever broad smiling face is plastered on the face book screen page of many youths in Ghana. When greeted with the news of Komla’s death, Ghanaian President Dramini Mahama noted that “…Komla is Ghana’s gift to the World”. Oh Komla! You are a legend-an exceptional journalist, full of humility with a wonderful sense of humor. Komla, as you brazenly climbed the leather of greatness, your memoir would have undoubted been a best seller! Ah! The media world has lost a giant… Let your legacy transcend generations, “Boss Player”! Your wife Kwansema and the three loving kids sadly miss you-a loving husband and a wonderful father! How they’ll miss your warm company, great love and care forever! Your wife and kids have never been comfortable since death laid its icy hands on you prematurely on that somber morning! Oh Komla! Your early demise left the Dumor, Gbeho and other related families dumb founded. BBC crew will miss you! Black Stars will surely miss a great fan! The world and Africa will miss this huge talent, but Ghana will miss you the most, Komla! Farewell, farewell my brother, farewell! Take your place in eternal rest! Rest in the Lord’s bossom! Rest in Him. Sleep, sleep my brother, sleep!!!
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 02:52:09 +0000