Accra, Ghana – The Ghanaian entertainment industry has been plunged into deep mourning following the confirmed death of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, one of the nation’s most celebrated and influential highlife musicians. The music icon reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 60.
News of his passing was confirmed through an official statement released by the Fosu family and signed by their legal representative, Fati Ali Yallah, Esq., of Baba Jamal & Associates. The statement, circulated to the media on Saturday morning, expressed profound grief and acknowledged the deep emotional and cultural impact of Daddy Lumba’s passing, not only on the family but on the country at large.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, and music legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known to millions as Daddy Lumba,” the statement read. “He passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, following a short illness. He was surrounded by loved ones as he made his final transition.”
The release added that funeral arrangements would be communicated in the coming days, while also requesting privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Widely regarded as a foundational pillar of Ghana’s contemporary highlife scene, Daddy Lumba’s career spanned more than three decades and produced an extensive catalogue of music that resonated with both domestic and international audiences. With more than 30 albums to his credit and countless hits that shaped the cultural and emotional landscape of generations, he remained a revered figure within Ghana’s entertainment ecosystem until his death.
The family’s statement further emphasised the legendary musician’s lasting influence, stating: “Daddy Lumba was more than just a musician; he was a cultural institution. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience. He was, and will remain, a beacon of excellence and authenticity in Ghanaian music.”
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, Charles Kwadwo Fosu began his music journey at an early age and rose to national prominence during the 1980s. His partnership with Nana Acheampong, under the name Lumba Brothers, helped to introduce a new wave of highlife music that combined traditional elements with modern sounds and romantic lyricism. Their early work laid the foundation for Daddy Lumba’s prolific solo career, which would later redefine the highlife genre entirely.
Hits such as Aben Wo Ha, Yentie Obiaa, Sika Asem, Theresa, and Tokro became cultural staples, earning him a near-mythical status among fans across generations. His music, which was often praised for its lyrical depth and emotive delivery, touched on a wide range of subjects—love, heartbreak, ambition, betrayal, spirituality, and the complexities of the Ghanaian experience.
Throughout his career, Daddy Lumba received numerous awards and recognitions, including multiple Ghana Music Awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards, and international honours. He was a consistent nominee and recipient of accolades that reflected his unmatched influence on the Ghanaian music industry. His ability to evolve musically while staying grounded in his highlife roots earned him both critical acclaim and enduring commercial success.
Tributes have since begun pouring in from across the country and beyond. Music industry stakeholders, fans, politicians, and fellow artists have taken to social media and various platforms to honour his legacy and express their sorrow. Many described him as a mentor, a creative visionary, and an irreplaceable figure in the African music landscape.
Highlife artist and contemporary star Kuami Eugene tweeted, “We have lost a giant. Daddy Lumba wasn’t just an inspiration—he was a movement. His music shaped us, taught us, and gave us pride in our roots. Rest in power, legend.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama also issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Ghana has lost a cultural icon. Daddy Lumba’s voice was one of a kind, and his music embodied the soul of the nation. My condolences to his family and to the millions of fans across the world.”
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), in a press release, described the late artist as “a musical architect whose contributions cannot be measured by charts or awards alone. He built bridges between generations, genres, and even across borders.”
His passing leaves a significant void not just in the music industry but in the hearts of millions who found joy, comfort, and reflection in his art. While Daddy Lumba was known for his somewhat private personal life, his public persona and musical output spoke volumes, establishing a bond with audiences that transcended time and social divisions.
Beyond his musical achievements, Daddy Lumba was also admired for his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic efforts, often supporting young talents and engaging in community initiatives quietly behind the scenes.
As fans gather at his residence and across radio stations replay his timeless tracks, the atmosphere nationwide remains one of solemn reflection. It’s a testament to the depth of his influence that generations, both young and old, feel a personal connection to his music.
As Ghanaians come to terms with the loss of a national treasure, preparations are expected to begin for a state-assisted funeral, although no official confirmation has been issued at this time. Cultural commentators and music historians alike are already calling for the establishment of a permanent memorial or music foundation in his honour.
For now, the nation remembers a man whose melodies shaped its emotional narrative, and whose voice will echo eternally through speakers, radios, and memories. Daddy Lumba’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire, comfort, and uplift for generations to come.
Further announcements regarding memorial events, funeral rites, and tributes will be shared by the family and relevant authorities in due course.
