Ghana has been thrown into mourning following the passing of legendary Highlife musician Daddy Lumba, whose real name was Charles Kwadwo Fosu. The iconic singer died at age 60 in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
A Nation in Shock
Sources close to the family confirmed that the revered highlife maestro had been admitted to the hospital a few days prior to his death. News of his passing quickly spread, prompting an emotional response from fans across the country. By midday, large crowds of mourners had gathered outside his East Legon residence in Accra to pay their respects.
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In a statement released by the family’s legal representatives, Baba Jamal & Associates, Daddy Lumba was described as more than just a musician—he was a cultural icon whose music captured the heart and soul of Ghana.
“Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience,” the statement read.
The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time and indicated that funeral details will be announced in due course. The statement was signed by Fati Ali Yallah, Esq., counsel for the Fosu family.
A Legacy That Defined Generations
Born on September 29, 1964, Daddy Lumba leaves behind a rich legacy of music that spans over four decades. With 34 studio albums, he is considered by many as the greatest Ghanaian musician of all time.
Lumba began his music journey at the age of 16 while attending Juaben Senior High School. He formed a group called Lumba Brothers with friends Yaw and Kwabena, and his then-girlfriend Theresa Abebrese. After school, with Theresa’s support, he traveled to Germany to pursue better opportunities.
While in Germany, he met fellow Ghanaian musician Nana Acheampong, who introduced him to highlife music. Together, they revived the Lumba Brothers name and began working on an album. Despite initial financial challenges, they released their debut album, Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu, in 1989 with help from Lumba’s wife, Akosua Serwaa, who produced the album.
The Music That Spoke to the Soul
Over the years, Daddy Lumba released numerous hit albums, including:
Aben Wɔha
Awosuɔ
Obi Ate Me So Buɔ
Sika Asɛm
Ebi Se Ɛyɛ Aduro
In 1999, he swept the Ghana Music Awards, winning Best Album, Artist of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year. Until 2002, he consistently released hit albums annually, becoming a household name not just in Ghana, but across Africa and among the diaspora.
Though widely loved, his career was not without controversy. At times, he surprised fans by switching between gospel music and provocative highlife tracks that stirred public debate.
Final Words
Daddy Lumba was not just a musician—he was the voice of a generation, a symbol of Ghanaian pride, and a legend whose music will live on forever. As the country comes to terms with this heartbreaking loss, his contributions to African music remain a testament to the power of sound to shape culture, spark emotion, and tell timeless stories.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
source: myjoyonline
