Ghana Mourns Highlife Legend Daddy Lumba, Dies at 60

Ghana is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished musical icons, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away at the age of 60 on Saturday, following a brief illness. The announcement was made by his family, who confirmed his death occurred in a hospital. Daddy Lumba’s illustrious career spanned nearly four decades, during which he produced 33 albums and over 200 songs, deeply influencing the highlife genre and inspiring countless musicians in Ghana.

President John Mahama led tributes to Lumba, describing him as a cultural icon whose musical genius resonated through generations. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Mahama remarked, "Lumba's unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life. The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages." Kofi Okyere-Darko, director of diaspora affairs at the president's office, referred to Lumba as "the greatest from Ghana in the last 100 years," highlighting his significant impact on Ghanaian music and culture.

Lumba's music often tackled themes of love, morality, and social issues, and his most celebrated albums include 'Sika Sem', 'Aben Wo Ha', and 'Give Peace A Chance'. His final public performance was on Valentine’s Day in 2025, where he shared the stage with many contemporary Ghanaian artists, reflecting his continued relevance in the music scene. Lumba was also set to embark on a tour in the United States and Canada later this year.

Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, Ashanti Region, Lumba began his music career in the early 1980s. He initially gained fame as part of the duo Lumba Brothers, alongside Nana Acheampong, with their first album released in 1986. After their split, Lumba successfully transitioned to a solo career, making significant contributions to highlife music and earning accolades for his work.

Fellow artists and fans have expressed their grief over Lumba's passing, with many taking to social media to share condolences and memories of his influence on their lives and careers. Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stated, "His passing is indeed a huge blow not only to the music fraternity but the entire country," echoing the sentiment felt by many Ghanaians.

The family has requested privacy as they navigate through their grief during this difficult time, and further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be disclosed in the coming days. Daddy Lumba's legacy as a transformative figure in Ghanaian music will undoubtedly endure, as his contributions continue to shape the cultural landscape of the nation.

In the wake of his passing, discussions about the future of highlife music and its preservation in Ghana have gained traction, emphasizing the importance of honoring and continuing the work of artists like Daddy Lumba. The impact of his music transcended entertainment, embedding itself in the social fabric of Ghanaian society, and his legacy will likely inspire future generations of musicians and artists.