The vigil, organised by the Creative Arts Agency (CAA), took place at Black Star Square on Saturday, August 2, 2025, the exact date Lil Win’s latest film, Ibrahim Traoré, premiered.  

Lil Win initially called the clash a ‘sabotage’, sparking a firestorm of backlash. Ghanaians slammed him for seemingly prioritising his movie over a national tribute to the late Highlife legend. However, in an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Thursday, August 7, the embattled star set the record straight.  

He said he used ‘sabotage’ not because he felt the Candlelight Vigil would affect his premiere. His frustration, he explained, was about missing out on the chance to honour his idol.  

“Honestly, it wasn’t about losing ticket sales because the movie premiere had already gained massive attention. Promotions were going well and everyone knew something big was on the way. Unfortunately, just a week before the premiere, we lost our legend, Daddy Lumba, which was a heartbreaking moment for all of us. 

“To my surprise, his candlelight vigil was scheduled on the same day as my premiere. I believe many Ghanaians didn’t realise this until I pointed it out. I didn’t mention it because of my movie, but because I’m a huge fan of Daddy Lumba and I deeply admire him. 

“I was torn between my premiere and the vigil of my idol and people misunderstood me. I wasn’t angry because of my premiere, I was just hurt because I couldn’t be at the vigil. I wanted to pay my respects, too,” he explained.  

The backlash took a dark turn when trolls even accused him of ‘ritual sacrifices’ to ensure his movie’s success and those lies hurt him most. (Related article: Holding Daddy Lumba’s vigil on the day I'm premiering my movie is sabotage - Lil Win)

 “The accusations hurt me very much, but they made me stronger because anytime I listened to Daddy Lumba’s ‘Yentie Obiaa’, I was motivated to remain focused. I went on with the premiere and it was successful. 

 Despite the challenges, Lil Win said the premiere was successful, attracting dignitaries such as the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, H.E. David Kabre, as well as his military delegation. 

The event was also attended by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; business leaders and some of his colleagues in the industry, including actress Vivian Jill, Dr Likee, Kyekyeku and Kweku Flick. 

H.E. David Kabré also honoured Lil Win with the Best Actor in Africa award. “I truly appreciate the honour and I was overjoyed because creating a movie about a country’s leader and he is so pleased that he sends his ambassador and military personnel to honour me, means a lot. That moment was priceless. 

“Captain Ibrahim Traoré truly inspires me. I deeply appreciate him for the recognition and all the support he has given me,” he added.