President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to the late Ghanaian music legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60.
In a deeply moving Facebook post on July 27, the former president expressed his grief and hailed Lumba’s immense contributions to Ghana’s cultural and musical identity.
“I have learnt with deep sorrow the passing of Ghanaian music legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba,” President Mahama wrote. “Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life.”
He continued by emphasizing the enduring nature of Lumba’s impact:
“The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages.”
President Mahama extended his condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Government of Ghana and all Ghanaians, acknowledging the void the icon’s death has created in the nation’s cultural and emotional landscape.
Daddy Lumba’s death, confirmed by his family through their legal counsel Fati Ali Yallah, occurred after a brief illness. According to reports, he passed away at the Bank Hospital in Accra. The news has since sparked a nationwide wave of mourning, with fans, fellow artists, and leaders flooding social media with heartfelt tributes.
Lumba’s music, with chart-toppers like “Aben Woha,” “Theresa,” “Sika Asem,” and “Yentie Obiaa,” shaped the emotional narrative of millions. His songs, rich with lyrical depth and Highlife rhythms, touched on themes of love, resilience, and the Ghanaian everyday experience.
Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Daddy Lumba released over 30 albums, blending traditional Highlife with modern Afrobeat, gospel, and pop influences. This ability to evolve while staying rooted in Ghanaian identity made him one of the most influential musicians in the country’s history.
President Mahama’s words reflect the sentiments of many Ghanaians who feel they’ve lost not just a musical icon, but a voice that represented their joys and sorrows for decades.
“His legacy is not just in his albums but in the hearts of Ghanaians who found comfort, joy, and strength in his music,” Mahama concluded.
As the nation grieves, funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days. Meanwhile, fans continue to celebrate his legacy by playing his timeless songs — a fitting tribute to a man whose music will, indeed, echo through the ages.
