Ghana’s music industry has been plunged into mourning following the passing of legendary highlife musician Daddy Lumba, who died this morning (26/7/2025) at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra after a short illness. He was 60 years old. A statement from his family, released through their legal counsel Baba Jamal & Associates, confirmed his death and appealed for privacy during this period of grief.

"The family of the late Highlife musician is going through a period of immense loss and respectfully requests privacy,” the statement read. Highlife is a genre of music that originated in Ghana in the early 20th century. It blends traditional Akan rhythms and melodies with Western musical elements, such as jazz, swing, and brass band instrumentation. It also noted that details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in the coming days. Born Charles Kwadwo Fosu on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta-Amangoase in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, Daddy Lumba rose from humble beginnings to become a colossus in African music.

He began his musical journey in the 1980s and released his debut album “Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu” in 1989 with Nana Acheampong, under the group Lumba Brothers. That album introduced a new energy to the highlife genre and marked the beginning of a prolific solo career that spanned more than three decades. With a distinctive voice, emotional depth, and lyrical storytelling, Daddy Lumba released over 30 albums, including unforgettable hits like “Aben Wo Ha”, “Theresa”, “Akoma Da Akoma So”, and “Sika Asem”.

He experimented with different musical styles—fusing traditional highlife with gospel, love ballads, and Afrobeat influences—earning him a reputation as both a musical innovator and a cultural icon. Earlier this year, he earned royal recognition as his hit song Mpempem Do Me featured on King Charles III’s official Commonwealth Day playlist. Curated in collaboration with Apple Music, the 17-track selection included global icons like Beyoncé, Bob Marley, and Davido.

Though much of Daddy Lumba's public life revolved around his music, he remained closely tied to his roots and family. Raised by his mother Comfort Gyamfi, affectionately known as "Ama Saah," Lumba was the youngest of five children. His father passed away while he was still young, leaving his mother as the sole pillar of the household. The influence of his mother, a devout Christian and choir singer, can be heard in Lumba’s occasional ventures into gospel music, especially in albums like “Mesom Jesus”.

‍

Daddy Lumba was also known to keep his family life relatively private, though he occasionally referenced his children and relationships in his music. He remained a deeply respected figure—one who never shied away from singing about love, betrayal, politics, and the Ghanaian experience.

Management of his radio station, DL FM, paid tribute to the late artist in a heartfelt statement:

“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.”

From sold-out concerts across the world to his influence on younger generations of musicians such as Kuami Eugene and Kofi Kinaata, Daddy Lumba’s impact transcends music. He received multiple national and international honours and is widely credited with modernising and sustaining highlife music through changing eras and tastes.

In the hours following the news of his passing, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and public figures. President Nana Akufo-Addo is expected to release an official statement honouring the legend’s contribution to Ghanaian culture.

Rest in peace, Daddy Lumba. Your music lives forever.