Komla Dumor inspired a young man to take a journalism course, another to start a lifestyle brand and countless others to chase their dreams. Those people are now some of Ghana's rising young entrepreneurs and they have come together to salute a hero.
Upon hearing the sad news, Newaccra dedicated the entire month of January to KD - and its for a special reason. The Ghanaian born international journalist actually inspired the founders of Newaccra to start a lifestyle brand which is aimed at ambitious, young Africans- the type of people who look up to KD himself.
So here are success lessons from the life and times of the Boss Player;
1. PASSION LEADS TO SUCCESS
Esteban Amegashitsi & EmperorTonyi Senayah
Komla has had such a significant influence on who I am now, where I am now and where I'm going. As an undergraduate at KNUST in 2004, pursuing a BSc in Biochemistry, hearing Komla's life story from himself changed the course of my life.
Komla is the reason, I took a course in Radio Broadcasting and later worked at Citi FM right after a degree in Biochemistry. He's the reason I chose to pursue my passion and pursue further studies in Marketing Communications instead of Science. Komla taught me, that the most fulfilling way to live life is to find your passion and pursue it relentlessly. And even now, in death, he's taught me the essence of making the most of everyday because you never know when your time to exit 'the stage' will be. -- E.A
His life exemplified that one should love what they do and do it with passion. Success is not about money, but touching lives, inspiring others and making an impact with your skills and talents. He was a shining black star and still is even his slumber. --E.S
2. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE LEAVE A LEGACY
Jeremiah Buabeng, Senam Bansah & Jonathan Adzokpe
Komla brought some swag to journalism that was hitherto unseen! --J.B
I like how he supported the Blackstars and the other African teams. He should have been here for Brazil 2014 ! -- S.B
The Boss Player as he was affectionately called no doubt was a boss in his own right. Komla re-wrote the history, and art of journalism in Ghana, Africa, and even the world. He epitomized a brand to the BBC, a soldier who fought on despite his illnesses, and a giant who stood tall among his equals. Who said you can only make an impact by choosing certain professions? Komla Dumor has shown beyond every reasonable doubt that whatsoever one finds themself doing, with hard work, a sense of excellence, and perseverance, impact is just a by-product. --J.A
3. ...THAT MAKES US PAUSE AND PONDER
John Armah, Kwamina Ekremet & Eric Kumah
He was a man who endured a lot but all through persevered. He taught me courage, dedication and above all selflessness. Africa has lost a son, and Ghana her beacon. We will miss and cherish his memory. --J.A
He was an inspiration to me. I loved his confidence and how he carried the Flag of Ghana high - K.E
As much as I tried to say yes, it wasn't convincing even to myself. so I knew I had work to do.Then it struck me that his very last Facebook post was about work. And it was through the same work, that he left his legacy. Komla Dumor’s TED talk inspired me to start newaccra. His death made me pause and question myself. --E.K
4. ... AND THEIR MEMORIES LIVE ON
Irene Danquah & Maame Keya
As a little girl, I was excited to listen to Komla before going to school and listened to his full show during vacations.We never met, but the day I heard he was going to BBC, I was so excited.
He made me feel the pride of being African and inspired me to become better and contribute to a new Africa. So on Saturday, when this black star fell I sang my country's anthem and prayed for Grace to follow where the saints have trod and the favour to raise high the flag of my country as I want to impact, not in journalism like he did, but in public health. Though I bid him farewell and prayed for his family and well wishers, I know in my heart he will continually inspire me to be better and to help build a new Africa. --I.D
I was so in love with your voice and how you spoke so eloquently. Your ever so crisp voice booming through the speakers made me proud.
Your life though short was very well lived. Instead of mourning, I celebrate your achievements. You're on to your next assignment, you will rock, as always!!! -- MK
5. WHILE THEY CONTINUE TO IMPACT US
Randy Osae Bediako & Poetra Ama Asantewaa
Everyman dies twice, the first is when he departs from this life and the second is when the last person he IMPACTED dies. Komla Dumor epitomised hard work and incomparable excellence in his career. He was a shining star who demonstrated to millions around the globe that every height in life was attainable. Indeed a star has fallen but his IMPACT remains an indelible scar on our hearts. --R.O.B
I remember reading about Komla's story of dropping out of medical school and his gradual climb to where he really wanted to be, and thinking what a feat that was! Many of us saw only his victories, and learning a bit of his struggles was a humbling experience. The name Komla Dumor brings to mind two words; 'resilience' and 'excellence', and those features are what I remember him for and strive to attain. May his beautiful soul rest in perfect peace --P.A.A
RhymeSonny , Mabel Simpson & David Nikoi
Komla to me was the only ambassador for the country who was not appointed by the government. His life encouraged us in the private media that mediocrity will lead you nowhere. Excellence was his hallmark and that's the only flight that can take one to the world stage and the only parachute that can land us safe on any land. He hated corrupt leaders and business people and will not do anything for the fun of it if it won't benefit the ordinary man or woman. He made humor an important communication tool and a lot of his colleagues mentioned that. -- R.S
He inspired. You listened to Komla anytime and he taught you that failure should not stop you from achieving your dreams, it should not stop you from believing in yourself. Made you believe that as an African, you can also make it. Ghana, Africa and the entire world have lost a gem, an inspirer, father, brother, son . He rests with the Father, but he will forever remain in our hearts. Rest In Peace Afeke. --M.S
Some journalists before him have climbed up but he left a road map for budding and young ones to aim at reaching the apex. Suddenly BBC and CNN looks possible because he made famous the road to that height. Unfortunately i have had no personal encounter with him so i can't say much in personal terms but the Ghana has lost a pillar. The good thing about this is that the lives he has impacted are countless and in the next few years, we will see lots of KDs doing it as he taught on international platforms. Thank you for the legacy you left for your nation and Africa. -- D.N
7. THEY MAKE US PROUD
Derrydean Dadzie
I encountered him while I was in the University, and two things about Komla stuck with me - his handshake and eluding humility which can easily be masqueraded by his big physique. I remember the first time I heard him on BBC radio, I was so proud, going out to work to tell my friends about it. When I saw him on BBC TV news, I felt a rush of honour, and a sense of accomplishment for the Ghana people and Africans at large.
Komla made Ghana and Africa proud. He embodied a generation of achievers who had the energy and the mind to progress another generation to achieve greater heights. While we mourn and sob for his passing, let us not let the spark that he ignited and the light that he shined through his words, talents and acts be dimmed. May we continue to live his legacy by emulating the great positives he added to this world like the great men he has joined in heaven above. --D.D
Komla made Ghana and Africa proud. He embodied a generation of achievers who had the energy and the mind to progress another generation to achieve greater heights. While we mourn and sob for his passing, let us not let the spark that he ignited and the light that he shined through his words, talents and acts be dimmed. May we continue to live his legacy by emulating the great positives he added to this world like the great men he has joined in heaven above. --D.D
Like newaccra on Facebook, share in his memory!!
The Contributors
_________________
Afi M Agblevor -Sociologist and philosophizer
Esteban Amegashitsi, Marketing communications specialist
EmperorTonyi Senayah, CEO of Horseman shoes
Jeremiah Buabeng - Motivational Speaker, Matrix Institute
Jonathan Adzokpe - Author and personal development expert
John Armah, GCEEI
Kwamina Ekremet -Process Business Management specialist
Eric Kumah, Newaccra
Senam Bansah, Newaccra
Irene Danquah, Olime Health
Maame Keya, MeMe Chic
Randy Osae Bediako, Kharis Media
Poetra Ama Asantewaa, Alikoto Clothing
RhymeSonny, Poet and Marketing specialist
2 comments:
Some journalists before him have climbed up but he left a road map for budding and young ones to aim at reaching the apex. Suddenly BBC and CNN looks possible because he made famous the road to that height.
Unfortunately i have had no personal encounter with him so i can't say much in personal terms but the Ghana has lost a pillar.
The good thing about this is that the lives he has impacted are countless and in the next few years, we will see lots of KDs doing it as he taught on international platforms.
Thank you for the legacy you left for your nation and Africa.
David, Thanks for saluting the Boss Player. Your reflection has now been published!
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