In a moving show of national grief and cultural reverence, thousands of Ghanaians gathered at the historic Independence Square on Saturday, August 2, 2025, to honour the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, famously known as Daddy Lumba.
The candlelight vigil, organized by the family of the late musician in collaboration with the Creative Arts Agency, marked the beginning of a series of commemorative events planned to celebrate the life and legacy of one of Ghana’s most influential music icons.
Draped in shades of red and black, a sea of mourners lit flickering candles under the night sky, transforming the iconic square into a solemn space of collective reflection. Daddy Lumba’s timeless songs echoed through the air as attendees sang along to hits that have shaped the Ghanaian music narrative for decades.
The vigil was not only a tribute but a celebration of the prolific artist whose sound defined generations. From emotional choral performances to stirring spoken-word tributes, the atmosphere was filled with deep appreciation for a man who embodied the spirit of Ghanaian highlife.
Among those present were notable figures from the music industry, including Sarkodie, Keche, Bessa Simons, KOD, and several other artists and industry stakeholders who came to pay their respects to the legend.
Earlier in the day, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, led a delegation from his ministry to commiserate with Daddy Lumba’s family. In a poignant moment, Mr. Ablakwa signed the book of condolence and later shared a heartfelt tribute on his official X (formerly Twitter) page.
“Ghana’s finest ambassadors are not only those who make it to the staff list of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Daddy Lumba was Ghana’s creative arts ambassador par excellence whose musical prowess earned Ghana global renown,” Mr. Ablakwa stated. “We have great consolation — the compositions of this genius will never die.”
The vigil marks the first official public event held in honour of Daddy Lumba following his sudden passing on July 26, 2025, at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra, after a brief illness. News of his death sent shockwaves across the nation, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow musicians, politicians, and cultural leaders.
Daddy Lumba, whose music career spanned over four decades, is widely regarded as a pioneer and titan of the highlife genre. His unique sound, emotive lyrics, and ability to reinvent himself musically made him a household name in Ghana and beyond.
As the nation continues to mourn, the candlelight vigil served as both a moment of national unity and a profound acknowledgment of the enduring legacy Daddy Lumba leaves behind. More memorial activities are expected in the coming weeks as Ghanaians celebrate the life of a man whose voice and vision helped shape the country’s cultural heritage.
