Its been two days since the world reeled from the sad news of the demise of Komla Dumor, a rising compelling superstar of a broadcasting journalist at the BBC. The pain of such a sudden inexplicable loss is still reverberating throughout every home, office, country and media platform. What is amazing is the lives he touched during his time here on earth which just goes to show the legacy he left behind. Here are a few tributes which have come from various world leaders, personalities and individuals who remember our dear departed brother, husband, father, and leader;
President John Dramani Mahama via Twitter
Our nation has lost one of its finest ambassadors. @BBCkomladumor was a broadcaster of exceptional quality and Ghana's gift to the world.
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) January 18, 2014
Former President Kufuor
He was a social person, always with a smile and quite polite to society. A bright broadcaster with great promise but who has been cut off midstream.
Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General
With Komla Dumor's sudden and tragic death, Africa has lost one of its brightest young talents. Komla was an inspirational journalist, always determined to find the facts and report on the truth. I shall miss his smile and wonderful sense of humour. May his soul rest in peace.
Ombeni Sefue, Chief Secretary to Tanzania's president
For us Africans, we feel very proud when news about Africa are conveyed by an African... and Mr Komla Dumor did an excellent job. There is no doubt he got that job not because he was an African, but because he was highly qualified. Therefore he brought great honour to Africa... This is a great loss to us all in Africa.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Komla swept into the world, stylish and sure, with his big chuckle, the light in his eyes, a genuine goodwill for people, a familiarity with laughter. He had no false modesty, yet an endearing insecurity lurked beneath his flair-filled confidence. He had, too, something close to innocence, a wonderful capacity for wonder. And now he is gone. We have lost a star.
https://soundcloud.com/bbc-world-service/the-life-of-komla-dumour?ocid=socialflow_twitter_africa
Nelson Mandela's daughter, Makaziwe.
Here was truly a shining star of Africa… a beacon of Africa's warm and sunshine. Komla was Africa in every essence. I think wherever Komla is know he is smiling because he left a mark on this world. I think he has joined other great spirits, my father…We should be glad that they came into our lives, even for a short while.
Jimbo, Pattaya, Thailand
I
loved this enthusiastic and dedicated man. My heart goes out to his family and friends in this tragic time. Hard to believe I will not see his smiling face and down to earth assessments of his home roots, Africa, again. A tragedy and one which I trust BBC will honour and respect to the best of their ability. Amongst all of the BBC's many great and famous human assets, Komla Dumor's name should today be irrevocably established.
James Harding, Director of News and Current Affairs
I
t is hard to believe that Komla is no longer with us because, in every way, he was larger than life. He had such an infectious enthusiasm for life, for Africa, for the story. He was an inspiring journalist, both on screen and off it.
Other tributes poured in via Twitter
I have lost a friend,brother and a true statesman.#Komla Dumor,my brother It is well with my soul.RIP
— Emmanuel Eduah Offoh (@Eoffoh) January 20, 2014
We lost a great gentleman..may his soul rest in peace...#Komla Dumor http://t.co/Nsfbeg7Jzj
— 4SYTE TV (@official4SYTETV) January 18, 2014
MT An African farewell song for #KomlaDumor "Asimbonang'ukomla thina" pic.twitter.com/rSVJ1q5jQw via @bbclysedoucet
— BBC Africa (@BBCAfrica) January 20, 2014
Words people are using online to describe the loved #KomlaDumor. He touched so many people around the world. pic.twitter.com/orsoeGTplH
— Samantha Barry (@samanthabarry) January 20, 2014
#BBCNewsday is dedicating much of its airtime today to the achievements and life of our friend #KomlaDumor. Listen: http://t.co/xY6sN1dsmg
— BBC Africa (@BBCAfrica) January 20, 2014
Videos:
Mandela's Daughter Makaziwe's Tribute
After reading all the incoming tributes about Komla Dumor, are you asking yourself any of these questions? What am I doing to make this world a better place? What will people say about me after I am gone? What legacy are we leaving behind us? If you have never asked yourself these pertinent questions then i think you had better start now. Here was a young man who used his gift and talent to be selfless and dedicated in bringing Africa to the world. His compassion drove him to tell stories, dig deeper into social issues, speak to inspirational world thinkers and doers in a bid to make our society a much better place to be. What are you doing?
#RIPKomlaDumor
