Daddy Lumba, Ghana’s Iconic Highlife Legend, Dies at 60
ACCRA, GHANA — Ghana is in mourning following the death of highlife music icon Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away at age 60 after a brief illness. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Ghanaian music history, Lumba’s legacy spans nearly four decades of groundbreaking music and cultural impact.
A Cultural Titan in African Music
Born in Nsuta, Ashanti Region, in 1964, Daddy Lumba began his musical journey in the early 1980s. He got his stage name after composing a song titled Lumba Lumba, a tribute to South African freedom fighters. That spirit of resistance and identity would define much of his lyrical themes.
Over the course of his prolific career, he released 33 albums and over 200 songs, shaping the sound of highlife music in Ghana. His work delved into themes like love, beauty, money, forgiveness, and social consciousness, making him a relatable figure for generations.
National and International Tributes Pour In
The announcement of his death came via a family statement on Saturday, confirming he had passed away in the hospital after a short illness. The statement described him as “a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives.”
Tributes flooded in across Ghana, with President John Mahama saying that Lumba’s “unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives,” and called his legacy “eternal.” Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also said the loss is a “huge blow not only to the music fraternity but to the entire country.”
Fellow artists including Sarkodie, Guru, Sista Afia, and M.anifest expressed heartfelt condolences, praising the “incredible talent he shared with the world.”
A Life of Milestones
- First album (1986): Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom with Nana Acheampong as part of the Lumba Brothers
- Solo debut (1990): Obi Ate Meso Bio
- Famous albums: Sika Sem, Aben Wo Ha, Awosoo, Wo Ho Kyere, Give Peace A Chance, Ahenfue Kyinkye
- Recent hit: Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo (2022)
Lumba last performed publicly on Valentine’s Day 2025, sharing the stage with several top Ghanaian acts. He had been scheduled to tour the U.S. and Canada later this year.
Earlier this month, he also met with President Mahama at a senior citizens’ celebration on Republic Day at Ghana’s presidential seat.
From Europe to Global Fame
After moving to Germany in the ’80s, Daddy Lumba formed the duo Lumba Brothers with fellow highlife star Nana Acheampong. Their breakout hit captured the struggles of Ghanaian immigrants in Europe seeking a better life. Although the pair later split, Lumba’s solo career exploded across West Africa and the global diaspora.
His fusion of traditional Ghanaian rhythms with modern instrumentation made him an international staple in African music culture. He’s often credited for inspiring the new wave of Ghanaian artists to pursue highlife and Afrobeat fusions.
Final Notes and Funeral Arrangements
The artist’s family has asked for privacy “as they navigate this profound grief.” Funeral details will be released in the coming days.
As fans mourn the “greatest in 100 years,” Daddy Lumba’s musical legacy lives on through his albums and the many lives he touched with his unforgettable voice and timeless lyrics.
Share Your Tribute:
Were you influenced by Daddy Lumba’s music? Share your favorite song or memory in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com!