Ghana’s music industry and the hearts of millions across the nation are hdraped in mourning following the passing of Charles Kojo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba.
The beloved highlife icon passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness, according to an official statement released by the Fosu family and shared by D106.9 FM.
With a career spanning decades, Daddy Lumba was more than a musician—he was a generational voice, a poet of the people, and a symbol of Ghanaian musical excellence. His passing marks the end of an era that defined the golden age of highlife music.
Born in 1964, Daddy Lumba rose to stardom in the late 1980s with a sound that blended traditional Ghanaian rhythms with modern melodies. His music touched on love, pain, joy, hope, and the lived experiences of Ghanaians. Tracks like Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, and Yentie Obiaa became national anthems and continue to resonate with fans across Africa and the diaspora.
The official release from the family read:
“Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience.”
Throughout his career, Lumba released over 30 albums, many of which went platinum. His artistry earned him numerous awards and the admiration of generations of artists who followed in his footsteps. To many, he was not just a highlife pioneer but a mentor and father figure in the industry.
The Fosu family, through their legal representative Fati Ali Yallah, Esq., respectfully requested privacy during this period of deep sorrow and confirmed that funeral arrangements will be communicated in the days ahead.
Tributes have since poured in from musicians, fans, political leaders, and cultural stakeholders. Ghana’s President is expected to release an official statement, and calls for a state-assisted burial are already mounting on social media.
As Ghana reflects on the legacy of Daddy Lumba, the sentiment remains unanimous—he was one of the finest musical voices the nation ever produced.
His music will live on, continuing to inspire, heal, and unite.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
