by Emmanuel Sowah
Ghana has been thrown into a state of national mourning following the death of one of its most celebrated music icons, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba. The veteran highlife musician passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness, according to a statement from his family. His passing marks the end of a remarkable musical era that touched generations of Ghanaians and fans across Africa and the diaspora.
Daddy Lumba was born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, a town in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He grew up in a modest household where music was a part of daily life. From an early age, he showed a deep passion for singing and songwriting. He attended Aboabo SDA School and later Juaben Secondary School, where he formed his first music group and began to dream of a future in the industry.
His music journey gained momentum in the 1980s when he relocated to Germany in search of better opportunities. There, he met Ernest Nana Acheampong, and together they formed the now-legendary duo known as the Lumba Brothers. Their debut album, “Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu,” released in 1989, was a breakthrough success and marked the beginning of Daddy Lumba’s rise to stardom.
Following the success of the Lumba Brothers, Daddy Lumba launched a solo career that would span more than three decades. He went on to release over 30 studio albums, many of which became instant hits. His songs combined highlife rhythms with romantic lyrics and contemporary themes, earning him a massive following across Ghana and beyond.
Some of his most popular songs include “Aben Wɔ Ha,” “Theresa,” “Sika Asem,” “Menya Mpo,” “Dada Kae,” “Asee Ho,” and “Playboy.” These songs became the soundtrack of many Ghanaian weddings, family events, and celebrations, making him one of the most loved and respected figures in Ghanaian music.
Daddy Lumba was widely praised for his ability to evolve with the times. He effortlessly blended traditional highlife with gospel, Afro-pop, and modern beats, ensuring that his music remained relevant across multiple generations. His lyrics often explored love, heartbreak, social issues, wealth, and spirituality, making his work relatable to listeners from all walks of life.
Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards and honors, including multiple Ghana Music Awards and special lifetime achievement awards. His contribution to Ghanaian music earned him national and international recognition, and he was often cited as one of the greatest African musicians of all time.
He also played a major role in mentoring and supporting upcoming artists. Notably, he helped launch the careers of musicians such as Ofori Amponsah and Great Ampong. Many young artists in the highlife and gospel scenes have credited him as a source of inspiration and a pioneer whose footsteps they proudly follow.
Beyond music, Daddy Lumba was known for his humility, strong work ethic, and dedication to his craft. He remained largely private about his personal life but was deeply respected by fans for his consistency, style, and commitment to uplifting Ghanaian music on the global stage.
As the country awaits details of his funeral arrangements, tributes continue to pour in from political leaders, fans, colleagues, and music lovers around the world. Although Daddy Lumba has passed on, his legacy lives forever through the timeless music he gave to Ghana and the world.
