Remembering DJ Awana: Colleagues recount fond memories [Video]

Some colleagues of the late celebrated veteran disc jockey, Samuel Tei Mensah Nartey, popularly known as DJ Awana, have shared touching memories of how he impacted their lives.

DJ Awana passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the 37 Military Hospital after a brief illness.

His remarkable media career began over two decades ago with Adom FM when the station was based in Tema.

Speaking fondly of their colleague and friend, they expressed that Awana’s death is a significant loss, leaving a void that will be hard to fill.

On Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the hosts shared their memories, noting that Awana would be remembered for his unwavering dedication to work and the good relationships he built, especially with those around him.

Show host Chief Justice Forson, also known as CJ, recalled a special ritual he shared with Awana, as fellow Wednesday-borns—they would regularly do a roll call of others born on the same day. Having just returned from leave, CJ admitted that this was the last news he expected to hear, but added, “God knows best.”

“I told him on Friday that I would visit him on Monday when I resume work. Where was he in a hurry to go to?” he said.

Pokua 101, the host of Mo Kasa on Adom FM, shared that she knew Awana had been sick, but it was her prayer to see him recover and return to his daily activities.

“The death has come as a surprise to many of us, especially those of us who knew him 10, 15 years ago or even bonded with him in these last days,” she mourned.

News anchor Abena Pokua Ahwenee also struggled to hold back tears as she recalled her memories with Awana.

She shared her last visit to Awana in the hospital on Friday, where they had a hearty conversation until the doctors came to check on him.

They continued chatting via WhatsApp, but when she called on Saturday morning, there was no response. “Unfortunately, I called on Sunday morning, and his nephew answered the phone and broke the news of his demise,” she tearfully recalled.

Listowell Kwadwo Fordjour (Esq.) remembered Awana fondly, calling him “Prampram Jay-Z” due to his exceptional taste in music and DJing skills.

He described him as a force to reckon with, adding, “By now, he would be here with us, and he would probably be praying Emelia Arthur’s Osoro Abie.”

Host of Ofie Kwanso, Jerry Justice, shared that the news of Awana’s passing had deeply affected him, making this a particularly challenging time.

“We know death is inevitable, but how it happens teaches us one lesson: to be humble in everything we do. I never thought Awana would leave us this soon. Even when he was sick some time ago, and we thought all hope was lost, he overcame it. But this has come as a shock,” he said.

The news of DJ Awana’s passing has touched many hearts, and his colleagues are united in honoring his legacy and remembering the good work he did throughout his life.

Listen to the tributes and fond memories in the video attached above: