Ghanaian music icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu, universally celebrated as Daddy Lumba, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, following a brief illness.
His death was confirmed in an official statement released by the Fosu family, which described the loss of the highlife maestro with “profound sorrow and deep grief.”
The news triggered an immediate outpouring of shock and tributes across the nation. Fans, fellow artists, and public figures expressed grief over the departure of a musician whose career spanned decades and reshaped Ghana’s cultural landscape. Daddy Lumba’s catalogue of timeless hits, including anthems like “Aben Wo Ha,” “Yeeye Aka Akpeteshie,” and “Obi A Te Me So,” cemented his status as a defining voice in African music.
Emotional reactions flooded social media and public forums. Prominent NPP figure Sammi Awuku reflected on the singer’s philosophical impact, noting how Daddy Lumba’s song “Ankwanoma” (Borrowed Time) poignantly foreshadowed life’s transience.
“He wrapped life’s deepest truths in melody,” Awuku wrote. Other tributes, like those from Theresa Acheampong, Obaapa Love, Gina Owusuwa Royal, and Asare Gabriel, echoed collective heartbreak, with many emphasizing his eternal legacy.
According to the family’s statement, Daddy Lumba built an unparalleled connection with audiences both domestically and within the global diaspora. His innovative fusion of highlife with contemporary sounds attracted generations of listeners, solidifying a loyal fanbase. The Fosu family has yet to announce funeral arrangements but requested privacy during their period of mourning.
