The family of the late Ghanaian highlife legend, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to officially announce the musician’s passing.
The meeting, which took place on Monday, August 25, forms part of traditional and cultural protocols observed when a prominent national figure dies.
During the visit, the family formally communicated the sad news to the government and initiated discussions regarding funeral arrangements. They also explored the possibility of state support to honor the iconic musician, whose life and work left an indelible mark on Ghana’s cultural identity.
Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra, a development that shocked Ghanaians and fans across the globe. Since news of his death broke, tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, political leaders, and admirers, highlighting his immense contribution to highlife music and his role in shaping Ghana’s modern music industry.
Born on September 29, 1964, Daddy Lumba rose to prominence in the 1980s and quickly established himself as one of the defining figures of the highlife genre. With a career spanning more than three decades, he released over 30 albums and countless hit songs. Classics such as “Aben Wo Ha”, “Theresa”, “Yentie Obiaa”, and “Playboy” became household anthems, celebrated for their lyrical wit, soulful delivery, and ability to reflect everyday Ghanaian life.
Daddy Lumba’s breakthrough came with the Lumba Brothers, a partnership with fellow musician Nana Acheampong, before he launched a highly successful solo career. Over the years, he garnered multiple national and international awards, solidifying his reputation as one of Ghana’s greatest music icons. His style, often a fusion of social commentary, romance, and humor, resonated deeply with audiences of all ages.
Beyond his music, Daddy Lumba’s influence extended to mentoring and inspiring a younger generation of Ghanaian artists, many of whom credit him as their source of inspiration. His enduring legacy is one that blends artistry with cultural pride, ensuring his place among the nation’s most celebrated figures.
The family has announced that the one-week observance for Daddy Lumba will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Accra. His final funeral rites are expected to take place in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, where thousands of fans and dignitaries are anticipated to gather to celebrate his life and legacy.
As Ghana prepares to bid farewell to a true musical icon, the family’s meeting with the Chief of Staff underscores the possibility of a state-supported send-off befitting Daddy Lumba’s towering influence on music and culture.
