Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known and adored by many as Daddy Lumba, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra after a short illness. He was 60.
A Lifelong Voice for Ghana
For more than 40 years, Daddy Lumba stood at the heart of Ghana’s music scene, shaping the soundscape with over 30 studio albums. Songs like Aben Wɔha, Makra Mo, Theresa, and Dangerous became deeply rooted in the national consciousness, each carrying rhythms that echoed the soul of the Ghanaian people.
Lumba’s unique gift lay in his ability to blend traditional highlife with elements of soul and contemporary styles—creating a sound that was distinctly his own yet resonant with millions.
From his early days in Germany, where he formed the Lumba Brothers with Nana Acheampong, to his rise as a solo artist, his music captured emotions of longing, love, and belonging. Their debut album Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu struck a special chord, especially among the Ghanaian diaspora.
More Than Music
Daddy Lumba was more than a musician—he was a cultural bridge. Through countless tours across Europe, North America, and Africa, he gave Ghanaians abroad a musical link to home.
His global impact was affirmed earlier this year when his hit Mpempem Do Me was included on King Charles III’s official Commonwealth Day playlist—a gesture that reflected how his artistry transcended borders.
An Outpouring of Love
Following the news of his passing, the nation responded with deep affection. Streams of his music flooded digital platforms, with Makra Mo reaching No. 1 on Apple Music Ghana, while 30 of his songs climbed into the country’s Top 100 chart.
A candlelight vigil in his memory is planned for Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Independence Square in Accra, coordinated by the Creative Arts Agency. Similar gatherings are anticipated in cities across the globe where his music touched lives. In Accra, thousands have visited his East Legon residence to sign condolence books and pay their respects.
Tributes poured in from every corner of Ghanaian society.
President John Dramani Mahama described Lumba as “a musical genius” who gave Ghanaians “the soundtrack to our lives.” He added, “The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his legacy will echo through the ages.”
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) echoed the sentiment: “The story of highlife cannot be told without Daddy Lumba. He helped raise the genre onto the world stage.”
The German Embassy also issued a heartfelt tribute, recognising Lumba’s role in connecting cultures through his music.
Music That Touched Hearts
Daddy Lumba’s songs were reflections of life—full of stories about love, heartbreak, perseverance, and faith. His music was ever-present at weddings, funerals, political events, and family gatherings. It gave meaning to personal milestones and national moments alike.
His prolific output, especially in the 1990s, saw him release albums almost yearly—each one solidifying his place in the hearts of his listeners. His work brought home multiple awards and critical acclaim, but most importantly, it brought joy and comfort to those who listened.
One of Lumba’s most beloved songs, Makra Mo (“Goodbye”), now carries a tender weight. Lyrics once meant to reassure fans now feel like a personal farewell from the artist himself.
Music producer Fred Kyei Mensah captured the feeling simply: “Lumba’s music told us he would always be with us—even when he was gone.”
Indeed, while Ghana mourns the man, his voice and spirit live on in the melodies that defined generations. Charles Kwadwo Fosu may have taken his final bow, but Daddy Lumba’s song will play forever in the heart of the nation he so dearly loved.