🎶 The Soundtrack of a Nation                                                          On the morning of Saturday, July 26, 2025, Ghana awoke to a wave of sorrow that swept across the nation like a silent storm. Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba, had passed away at the age of 60 after a brief illness. The news, confirmed by his family through legal counsel Fati Ali Yallah, Esq., sent shockwaves through the music industry, political circles, and the hearts of millions who had grown up with his voice as the soundtrack to their lives.

🗓️ A Voice That Defined Generations

Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the undisputed King of Highlife is a story etched in Ghana’s cultural memory. With 34 albums to his name, his music transcended time, blending traditional rhythms with modern flair in a style dubbed Burger Highlife. His discography includes:

• Yereye Aka Akwantuo Mu (1989)

• Aben Wo Ha (1998)

• Poison (2001)

• Awosoo (2014)

• Hosanna (2015, with Great Ampong)

• Enko Den (2016)

• Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo (2022)

• Nnipa Fon Na Ɛka Nsɛm Fon (unreleased, 2025)

Among his most trending and unforgettable tracks are:

• Aben Wo Ha – A cultural phenomenon and anthem of defiance

• Theresa – A heartfelt tribute to his high school sweetheart

• Yentie Obiaa – A bold declaration of independence

• Poison, Sika Asem, Ankwanoma, Doctor Panee, Dangerous, Akoma Da Akoma So, Mpempem Do Me, Makra Mo, Gold Digger, Adaka Tea, Mensei Da, Se Sumye Kasa A, Ohia Asem

His 60-song mix, released in 2024, remains one of the most streamed Ghanaian compilations on YouTube and Audiomack.

🎤 The Final Curtain & Last Shows

Daddy Lumba passed away at Bank Hospital in Accra, where he had been admitted days earlier. His final public appearance was on July 1, 2025, at Jubilee House during a luncheon honoring senior citizens, where he shared a warm moment with former President John Mahama.

His 60th birthday bash, held in September 2024 and powered by DLFM, was his last major performance, drawing thousands of fans and dignitaries. Over his career, he performed at hundreds of concerts across Ghana, Europe, and North America, including:

• Back for Good Tour (1997)

• Awosoo Live (2014)

• DLFM Launch Concert (2022)

• DL @ 60 Celebration (2024)

🏛️ A Nation Responds: State Burial Confirmed

In a rare show of bipartisan unity, Parliament of Ghana paid glowing tribute to Daddy Lumba, describing him as a “torchbearer and trailblazer” whose music embodied Ghana’s moral and cultural heritage. MPs from both the Majority and Minority sides called for a state-assisted burial, citing his unmatched contribution to national unity, identity, and the arts.

Following public appeals and parliamentary consensus, the Government of Ghana has confirmed a state burial will be held in his honor. The ceremony is expected to take place in Kumasi, his cultural home, with full national honors and a musical tribute segment led by the Ghana Tourism Authority.

🗣️ Official Press Release from Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie

In a moving statement issued on July 28, 2025, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, paid tribute to Daddy Lumba on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry, and the people of Ghana:

“Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural force. Through his timeless compositions, unforgettable melodies, and unique lyrical style, he elevated highlife music to unprecedented heights, shaping its evolution and drawing global attention to Ghana’s rich musical heritage.”

She described his passing as a major national loss, not only to the music industry but to Ghana’s soul. The Minister emphasized that his influence inspired generations and became the soundtrack to the lives of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.

“Whether performing on local stages or before international audiences, Daddy Lumba showcased the soul of our nation with pride, dignity and excellence. His legacy will forever remain a cornerstone of Ghanaian culture and the creative arts.”

As part of the formal mourning process, Hon. Gomashie led a delegation to his residence to offer condolences and confirmed that the 2025 Ghana Tourism Awards will include a special segment in his honor.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his music continue to echo through the generations.”

💬 Tributes from some Public Figures & Fans

🏛️ Political Leaders

• President John Dramani Mahama – “A musical genius whose voice united a nation”

• Former President Nana Akufo-Addo – “A dear friend and cultural icon”

• Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia – “His compositions uplifted the soul of Ghana”

• MP Akwasi Konadu – “A true maestro deserving of national honors”

• MP Adelaide Ntim – “Let us preserve his legacy through sustainable cultural initiatives”

🎤 Musicians & Entertainers

• Davido – Played Aben Wo Ha during his Toronto concert in tribute

• Sarkodie – “RIP DL!!! Thanks for all you've done… The legacy lives on…”

• Stonebwoy – “A legend whose music shaped us”

• Kojo Antwi – Visited Lumba’s residence to comfort his widow

• Obour – “Extremely caring and deeply influential”

• Bessa Simons – “He uplifted Highlife to new heights”

• Rocky Dawuni – “A global ambassador of Ghanaian sound”

• Nana Acheampong – “Brother, collaborator, icon”

🏫 Institutions & Youth Voices

• TI Ahmadiyya SHS Students – Held a candlelight vigil singing his songs

• National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) – Issued a moving tribute from the Coordinating Secretary

📻 Beyond the Music

Daddy Lumba wasn’t just a musician. He was a mentor, a radio station owner (DLFM 106.9 MHz), and a cultural ambassador. He nurtured talents like Ofori Amponsah, and his influence extended into politics, with his songs featured in New Patriotic Party campaigns, including Nana Ye Winner.

His 2008 track Mpempem Do Me even made it onto King Charles III’s Commonwealth Day playlist in 2025, a testament to his global reach.

🕯️ A Legacy That Will Never Fade

Daddy Lumba’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy is immortal. His music will continue to echo in weddings, heartbreaks, political rallies, and quiet moments of reflection. His lyrics will remain etched in the hearts of those who found solace, joy, and identity in his melodies.

As funeral arrangement unfold, one truth stands strong: Though Charles Kwadwo Fosu has left this world, Daddy Lumba lives on, through every note of music, every word in his songs, and in the hearts and souls of the millions he touched.