Legend, rest well – Bawumia mourns Daddy Lumba

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, July 26, Dr. Bawumia wrote:
“I have been informed of the saddening news of the passing of a true music icon, who has had an incredible career spanning over three decades.

Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known by his stage name Daddy Lumba, has been a pillar in Ghana’s highlife genre, through whom many great talents have been nurtured and introduced.

His brilliant compositions and works have not only entertained but also inspired and uplifted many of us. His passing is indeed a huge blow, not only to the music fraternity but to the entire country. Samira and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, family, fans, and the whole country.
LEGEND, REST WELL.”

The tribute followed an official statement from the Fosu family confirming Daddy Lumba’s death on the morning of Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness. The statement, signed by family lawyer Fati Ali Yallah of Baba Jamal & Associates, described the late musician as “more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives.”

“His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience,” the release said, adding that funeral arrangements will be communicated in the coming days.

Daddy Lumba was a towering figure in Ghana’s music scene. Born in Nsuta in the Ashanti Region, his career began in the 1980s and spanned more than three decades, during which he released over 30 albums. Songs like Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Sika Asem, and Playboy became generational anthems.

He began as part of the Lumba Brothers alongside Nana Acheampong before launching a groundbreaking solo career that revolutionized highlife music. Lumba’s ability to fuse traditional rhythms with modern themes earned him both critical acclaim and a loyal fan base that cut across age, class, and political divides.

The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and make funeral arrangements.