Ghana has been plunged into mourning following the death of one of its most cherished musical legends, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
The iconic highlife musician passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra, where he had been receiving treatment for a short but undisclosed illness.
According to sources close to the family, Daddy Lumba had been admitted to the hospital a few days earlier and passed on quietly at dawn at age 60.
By midday, a large number of fans, friends, and sympathisers had gathered at his East Legon residence in Accra, overwhelmed by shock and sorrow at the news of his passing.
In an official statement released through the family’s legal representatives, Baba Jamal & Associates, the Fosu family expressed profound grief over the loss.
“With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness,” the statement read.
It continued, “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 family further requested privacy during this period of immense loss, stating that details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in the coming days.
The statement was signed by Fati Ali Yallah, Esq., counsel for the Fosu family.
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta near Mampong in the Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba began his musical journey at age 16 and became the leader of the Juaben Secondary School choir in 1983.
He later formed the Lumba Brothers group with friends Yaw and Kwabena and his then-girlfriend, Theresa Abebrese.
Over the course of a three-decade career, he released 33 albums and captivated audiences with hits such as Aben Wɔha, Obi Ate Me So Buɔ, Yentie Obiaa, and Mpempem Do Me, the latter of which gained international recognition after being featured on King Charles III’s Commonwealth Day playlist in 2024.
Beyond his success as a singer-songwriter, Daddy Lumba was also a mentor and entrepreneur.
He founded DLFM Radio and operated a music production studio, nurturing talents like Ofori Amponsah. Prior to his passing, he was reportedly working on his 34th album, titled Nnipa Fon Na Ɛka Nsɛm Fon.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians in Ghanaian history, Daddy Lumba’s death leaves a significant void in the nation’s musical and cultural heritage.
His legacy, however, will live on through his timeless music and the lives he touched across generations.
