Ghana Mourns: Highlife Legend Daddy Lumba Passes Away at 60

I don’t even know how to say this without my voice cracking. This morning hit different. You hear a song, and suddenly you’re back in your mother’s kitchen, in the backseat of your father’s car, or on your first heartbreak night. That’s what Daddy Lumba’s music did to us. And now, the legend who gave us those timeless moments is gone. Ghana’s most iconic highlife musician, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has passed away at the age of 60.

A National Icon Beyond Just Music

According to a statement released by his family through their lawyer, Daddy Lumba died on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness. The grief is heavy, and the silence left behind is even louder. He wasn’t just an artist; he was the soundtrack of our lives. His songs touched on love, loss, dreams, and survival — emotions that speak across generations. The statement described him as a cultural icon whose voice provided the emotional script of Ghana’s struggles and triumphs.

A Life in Lyrics and Legacy

Born on 29 September 1964 in Nsuta in the Ashanti region, Daddy Lumba began his musical journey early in the 1980s with the Nkwanta Wesley singers. He adopted the name “Lumba” after a song he composed in honor of South African freedom fighters. Later, after forming the Lumba Brothers band with Nana Acheampong in Germany, they dropped their debut album in 1986 titled “Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom”. Eventually, Lumba stepped out solo and gave us his debut solo album “Obi Ate Me So Buo” in 1990, and from there, the magic never stopped.

With 33 albums to his name, including classics like “Sika Sem”, “Aben Wo Ha”, and “Give Peace a Chance”, his music became a bridge between generations. He was never just making tunes; he was mentoring the next line of stars too. Artists like Ofori Amponsah, Kuami Eugene, Kidi, and others often speak of him as their greatest influence.

Designing a Musical Era

Daddy Lumba’s sound wasn’t just music — it was a full design of emotion, melody, and storytelling. His style, his look, even his radio station DL106.8 FM, were all extensions of the same heartbeat. His concerts were more than performances; they were experiences. I still remember the Valentine show on February 15, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Center. That man lit up the room with his classics, and I thought he had more decades in him. Turns out, he gave us all he could.

The Weight of His Loss and Public Tributes As soon as the news of his passing broke, tributes poured in like rainfall. From media personalities like Serwaa Amihere calling him “the greatest of all time” to political leaders like former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia expressing deep sorrow, the entire country fell into collective mourning. Even his official radio station in Accra began playing his songs non-stop, with heartfelt messages flooding in from fans. Celebrities, influencers, musicians, and everyday people all paused to honor the man who had shaped the emotional landscape of Ghana for more than three decades.

What He Leaves Behind

This isn’t just about music. Daddy Lumba gave us a cultural identity. His lyrics, his rhythm, his voice — they were all parts of who we are. He mentored, he inspired, and he defined an entire genre. The family, while requesting privacy during this heavy time, has assured the public that funeral details will be announced soon. For now, we remember, we grieve, and we keep his music close.

Disclaimer This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements released by Daddy Lumba’s family. Individual memories and reactions may vary.

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