The Creative Arts Agency is planning to launch an annual concert to honour the life and musical legacy of Ghana’s late highlife icon, Daddy Lumba. The announcement was made by the agency’s Executive Secretary, Gideon Aryee-Quaye, during an interview on The Chat with Ekow Koomson, held at the National Candlelight Vigil Ceremony at Independence Square.
The initiative, according to Aryee-Quaye, is designed not only to memorialize Daddy Lumba but also to serve as a platform for celebrating other creative arts legends—both living and departed—who have significantly contributed to Ghana’s music and cultural landscape.
“Daddy Lumba’s music has touched so many lives across generations. His legacy deserves to be honoured every year. But more importantly, we must celebrate our legends while they are still with us,” he said during the emotional conversation.
The proposed concert will bring together fans, musicians, and key industry players annually to reflect on the impact of Ghanaian music. It will serve as both a tribute and celebration, encouraging the younger generation to draw inspiration from music icons like Daddy Lumba.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away in July 2025, leaving behind a catalogue of timeless highlife classics that have defined Ghana’s music industry for over four decades. His passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and dignitaries worldwide, underlining the global reach of his art.
The vigil at Independence Square, where Aryee-Quaye made the announcement, saw thousands of Ghanaians gather in red and black, singing Lumba’s iconic hits, holding candles, and sharing stories about how his music touched their lives.
While details of the concert, including its format, date, and location, are yet to be finalised, the Creative Arts Agency has confirmed that it will work closely with stakeholders in the music industry, including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, to ensure that the event becomes a permanent fixture on Ghana’s cultural calendar.
The agency is also exploring ways to include Daddy Lumba memorabilia and archival content as part of the annual programme, allowing fans and historians to better understand his contribution to the highlife genre and Ghanaian music history at large.
The announcement has been widely praised by fans and creatives, who see it as a timely recognition of a legend and a step toward preserving Ghana’s musical heritage.
As the nation continues to mourn and celebrate the life of one of its greatest musical sons, the proposed annual concert promises to keep his name and influence alive for generations to come.
