Ghanaian music legend Daddy Lumba (Charles Kwadwo Fosu) passed away on 26 July 2025, at Accra’s Bank Hospital, after a brief illness. He was 60. His death cast the nation into collective mourning as news spread on radio, TV, and social media, bringing tributes from fans, music icons, and political leaders. Former President Nana Akufo‑Addo described him as “a pantheon among musical greats,” while President John Dramani Mahama noted that Daddy Lumba’s “unmatched soundtracks carried us through various phases of life”.
Veteran highlife artist Nana Acheampong recalled his deep friendship and collaboration with Lumba, speaking movingly about their shared legacy and the void left by his passing . A national candlelight vigil is scheduled for 2 August 2025 at Accra’s Independence Square, organized by the Creative Arts Agency. A book of condolence has also been opened across Accra, inviting the public to leave messages of respect and love.
The impact on music platforms was immediate and extraordinary: Daddy Lumba surged to dominate digital airwaves posthumously, with 30 of his songs simultaneously appearing in the Apple Music Ghana Top 100—a rare and poignant tribute to his enduring appeal. Fans flooded social media, sharing lyrics and personal stories, bridging the loss of a physical icon with the immortality of his music.
Lumba’s death comes just before what would have been his 61st birthday, and despite his absence, his influence shows no signs of fading. From his early albums in the 1980s and 1990s to his digital resurgence, Daddy Lumba shaped generations of highlife artistry. Music forums, talk shows, and entertainment websites remain flooded with retrospectives on his career, accomplishments, and unforgettable performances.
As Ghana prepares to honour him publicly—through the vigil, condolence messages, and renewed appreciation of his discography—the country also reflects on what it means to carry forward a legacy. Daddy Lumba wasn’t only a musician; he was a cultural institution. In life and beyond, his voice continues to echo in homes, celebrations, and daily life across Ghana.
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