Ghanaian journalist Stephen Adjetey Abban, popularly known as Gabs, has weighed in on the ongoing public debate surrounding Daddy Lumba’s marital controversy, defending musician-turned-evangelist Papa Shee against what he describes as unfair attacks from younger social media users.
In a Facebook post, Gabs recounted a recent online confrontation. “Last week, I clashed with a group of ignorant Gen Z Facebookers on someone’s wall,” he wrote. “They were disrespecting Papa Shee and proudly displaying their glaring ignorance.”
According to him, the young commenters not only hurled “unprovoked insults” at Papa Shee over his stance in the Lumba–Akosua Serwaa feud but also attempted to belittle his artistic legacy, “boldly comparing him to AY Poyoo.”
Gabs said that even after explaining that Papa Shee was “prolific and had bangers back in the days,” the group “refused to listen and proceeded to insult me too.” He noted that he avoids unnecessary exchanges online.
“There’s one thing I don’t do on social media; exchanging pointless insults or engaging in volatile back-and-forths… I actually prefer a physical duel, where you tell me your mind to my face and we resolve it the street way.”
Reflecting on his earlier criticism of Papa Shee, Gabs admitted he once believed the musician should have remained neutral.
“I once posted about Papa Shee, saying Lumba would be disappointed in him for treading a warpath… as a man and family friend to both Lumba and his wife Akosua Serwaa, he should have maintained neutrality.”
However, he now sees Papa Shee’s support differently. “Looking at the full picture now, what Papa Shee is doing for Mama Akosua is invaluable… Anyone who has ever gone through a difficult situation knows how important it is to be surrounded by loyal friends during turbulence. Papa Shee is playing that role for Maa Akosua.”
Addressing those who argue that Papa Shee is “not family,” Gabs stressed that friendship can carry deeper weight than blood ties.
“Some friends play roles in our lives far greater than biological siblings… He cannot abandon Maa Akos now, especially when she is being attacked by people who have no idea what she and Lumba went through.”
He added that if Papa Shee’s support contradicts Lumba’s preferences, “then that is Lumba’s issue, not his.”
Gabs also pushed back against attempts to erase Papa Shee’s artistic achievements.
“To the Gen Zs disrespecting him; please understand that Papa Shee had a solid career, even if brief… he had back-to-back hits that dominated radio airplay and cassette/CD sales.
He also featured prominently on Joy FM’s Top 20 Megahits countdown years ago. Put respect on his name.”
