A GNA report by Simon Asare
Accra, July 27, 2025 – Ghana's musical legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba, has passed away at the age of 60, marking the end of a captivating career.
The year 2025 might be remembered as one of the most sorrowful periods in Ghana's music scene, following the untimely deaths of Daddy Lumba and Dada KD, who passed away just weeks apart.
Certainly, death is unavoidable for living beings, and Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 mentions, “To every activity there is a time, and a moment for every purpose under the heavens: a time to be born, and a time to die..”
This scriptural passage might offer profound comfort to the millions of Daddy Lumba supporters across the globe, yet his lasting legacy in music is undoubtedly assured.
At 16, Daddy Lumba stepped into Ghana's music industry during the 1980s, a time when highlife was widely loved and featured numerous prominent artists.
It would be a challenging endeavor for young Daddy Lumba to achieve success, yet he established his band, the Lumba Brothers, to challenge the competitive highlife music scene.
Alongside his twin-like companion Ernest Nana Acheampong, the Lumba Brother made their entrance into Highlife music with the launch of their first album, "Yeey3 Aka Akwantuo."
That marked the start of a remarkable musical journey that would eventually lead to the publication of 33 albums and a legendary collection of enduring hit songs cherished by both older and younger audiences.
At the height of his career, Daddy Lumba was a musical force, and his voice echoed in every Ghanaian home as he released one hit after another.
His "Aben Wo Ha" track is regarded by many as one of the top chart-topping songs in history and remains widely played on the radio.
Daddy Lumba has crafted numerous memorable experiences for countless fans of Highlife music and has consistently been mentioned as one of Ghana's top musicians in history.
Former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who shared a personal connection with Daddy Lumba, stated that he is among the most outstanding musicians of all time.
"President Akufo-Addo, who affectionately refers to him as Daddy Lumba, was a legendary figure in the world of music and shared a unique bond with his fans and people around the globe," said the former leader.
The statements made by President Akufo-Addo are echoed by his successor, President John Dramani Mahama, who referred to Daddy Lumba's talent as an irreplaceable loss for Ghana.
Lumba's extraordinary musical talent became the background music of our lives, guiding us through different stages of existence.
"The rhythm of his famous songs may have faded, but his lasting influence will continue to resonate for generations," said President Mahama.
Daddy Lumba's music has indeed crossed international boundaries, and his latest royal acknowledgment, being included in King Charles III's Special Play, reinforces his worldwide popularity.
He was also a motivating role model for a new generation of Ghanaian artists who consistently acknowledged his significant impact on their professional journeys.
One example of a musician is Highlife artist Kaakyire Kwame Fosu, also known as KK Fosu, who admitted that Daddy Lumba influenced his decision to pursue the Highlife style.
Being a young man, I always admired Daddy Lumba as he embodied musical brilliance, and I gained much from him.
"From the way he creates his music, particularly in crafting love themes, it was truly enchanting, and he has indeed led a remarkable life in music," said KK Fosu.
As Daddy Lumba stated in his "Ankwanoma" song, "Ankwanoma mede mekra abo afodee o, meeye nee metumi biaa me mmre so aa na meko oo," foreshadowing the conclusion of the golden era he represented.
The music icon has undeniably contributed to the growth of Highlife music, and it is now up to the younger generation to keep the genre alive for those who will come after them.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong