Ghana is in deep sorrow following the sudden death of Charles Kojo Fosu—better known to the world as Daddy Lumba. The celebrated highlife legend passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, after a short illness, the family confirmed in a statement.
His family said the news brought “profound sorrow and deep grief,” and asked the public to respect their privacy as they grieve. Funeral plans will be announced in due time.
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba began his musical journey in the early 1980s as a choir leader at Juaben Senior High School. There, he co-founded the Lumba Brothers band alongside Nana Acheampong, and his girlfriend Theresa Abebrese.
The duo moved to Germany and overcame financial hardship to release their debut album, Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu, in 1989, an album that deeply resonated with Ghanaians both at home and abroad. That milestone marked the beginning of Daddy Lumba’s solo rise to stardom.
Over more than three decades, he released over 30 albums—some sources say 34—including classics like Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Sika Asɛm, Tokrom and Ohia Asɛm. His songs blended traditional highlife rhythms with modern production, and carried strong emotional and political messages. He is revered as one of Ghana’s most influential musicians.
Daddy Lumba earned numerous honours. He swept the 2000 Ghana Music Awards, winning Artist of the Year, Best Album, and Most Popular Song. In 2003, he again won top awards in the contemporary highlife category. In 2018, he received the Icon/Legend of Entertainment award at the EMY Africa Awards.
His reach went even further when King Charles III included his song Mpempem Do Me in the 2025 Commonwealth Day playlist curated with Apple Music. The track ranked seventh among seventeen international songs, earning Daddy Lumba newfound recognition across the Commonwealth.
Daddy Lumba was more than a performer. In September 2022, he launched DLFM 106.9 MHz, a radio station broadcasting in Twi around Accra. This venture showcased his commitment to promoting Ghanaian culture, language, and highlife music.
Throughout his life, he nurtured new talent. His collaborations and mentorship helped launch the careers of several artists, including Ofori Amponsah, asserting his position not just as a performer, but as a cultural mentor and influencer.
Daddy Lumba’s passing marks the end of an era. His music soundtracked countless moments of love, loss, celebration, and struggle. Generations of Ghanaians—and many beyond Ghana—turned to his songs for solace, joy, identity and national pride. His legacy will continue through his timeless recordings and the artists he inspired.
As the nation awaits funeral details, it stands united in grief and gratitude. Ghana has lost one of its brightest stars. But Charles Kojo Fosu’s voice—Daddy Lumba’s voice—will live on in hearts and minds forever.
