On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Ghana—and the wider world—lost a musical icon. Charles Kwadwo Fosu, better known as Daddy Lumba, passed away at The Bank Hospital in Accra following a short illness, according to a family statement. He was 60 years old and had become a beloved symbol of Ghana's musical legacy over a career spanning more than three decades.Reddit+11Pulse Ghana+11GBC Ghana+11
🎶 A Cultural Beacon Dimmed
Daddy Lumba wasn’t just an artist. He was a cultural institution whose songs became the backdrop of countless Ghanaian lives—from love, loss, and hope to celebration. Fans and public figures alike described the news as a collective loss.
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As Pulse Ghana wrote, the family announced his passing with “profound sorrow and deep grief” and requested privacy during this difficult time. Pulse Ghana
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GBC Ghana described a nationwide moment of mourning, with crowds gathering in grief at his residence in East Legon.GBC Ghana
A comment on Reddit captured the sentiment perfectly:
“Far too young! RIP to a legend.”Reddit+1Wikipedia+1
📜 Legacy in Lyrics & Life
Born in September 1964 in Nsuta, Ghana, Daddy Lumba rose to fame in the 1980s with the Lumba Brothers before embarking on a solo trajectory that produced over 30 albums. Tracks like “Aben Wɔha,” “Theresa,” “Yentie Obiaa,” and “Poison” became timeless {" "} classics, earning him the title of Ghana’s greatest highlife musician.Wikipedia+8Wikipedia+8GBC Ghana+8
His radio station DL FM, broadcasting in Twi from Accra, added to his cultural footprint, keeping his presence strong in daily Ghanaian life.Hindustan Times+2Wikipedia+2The Economic Times+2
🌍 Global Impact, Local Heart
His influence extended well beyond Ghana’s borders. Daddy Lumba’s music resonated deeply with the Ghanaian diaspora in the U.S., Europe, and across Africa. As fans shared, his melodies and lyrics were “pieces of home” that carried their shared history and emotion.GhanaWeb+10GBC Ghana+10Pulse Ghana+10
He helped bridge generations, blending traditional highlife rhythms with contemporary styling. His mentorship spawned stars like Ofori Amponsah, amplifying his impact on Ghana’s music ecosystem.Wikipedia+1GBC Ghana+1
💬 The Farewell Statement
The legal team representing his family, Baba Jamal & Associates, expressed:
“Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives... During this time of immense loss, we respectfully request privacy for the family.”The Economic Times+3Hindustan Times+3GBC Ghana+3
As funeral plans and tributes were yet to be finalized, the nation joined hands—in spirit and song—to honour a legend.
🎼 Final Thoughts
Daddy Lumba’s death marks the end of an era—but his music transcends time. His voice shaped generations and defined the sound of Ghanaian highlife. Whether at festive gatherings or moments of personal reflection, his melodies remained the soundtrack of national identity.
Though he has passed, the resonance of his legacy continues. Ghana—and the world—now bids farewell not just to an artist, but to a storyteller, a mentor, and a cultural luminary whose rhythms will forever play in the hearts of many.