How Daddy Lumba described his death
After yearly rumours about his passing, death finally won. Indeed, Ghanaian highlife legend, Daddy Lumba, bade farewell to his fans in "Makra Mo" (Goodbye), a poignant and prophetic song released three decades ago.
The song, featured on his sixth album "Biribi Gyegye Wo" in 1993, was a soulful expression of mortality, where Charles Kwadwo Fosu, aka Daddy Lumba, told his fans to enjoy every moment with him while he was alive and not to weep when he was no more.
This song's love, loss and legacy themes have taken on a new significance with the news of Daddy Lumba's passing on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60.
A music producer, Fred Kyei Mensah, aka Fredyma, who has known Daddy Lumba for over 43 years and worked with him, revealed to the Daily Graphic that the legend's name was inspired by Patrice Lumumba, the popular Congolese revolutionary leader.
“Daddy Lumba was a member of a school choir that sang a song about Patrice Lumumba, and it made a great impression on him.
The song resonated with him. It symbolised strength, leadership and purpose — qualities that mirrored his own journey”, he said.
As news of Daddy Lumba's passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the music industry and beyond, and some close associates of the music icon have expressed their fond memories of him.
President John Dramani Mahama expressed grief over the passing of Daddy Lumba.
"I have learnt with deep sorrow the passing of Ghanaian music legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba".
"Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life," the President said in a statement.
He said the beats to Lumba's memorable songs might have died down, but his enduring legacy would echo through the ages.
"On behalf of the Government of Ghana, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones for this irreplaceable loss."
Former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and former Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, have both expressed shock and sent messages of condolence to the Fosu and allied families.
The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have also sent their condolences, refer to story on page 19.
MUSIGA ready with support
The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, in an interview with the Daily Graphic, highlighted the significant impact Daddy Lumba had on Highlife, saying it is impossible to tell the story of the genre without mentioning him.
“We have lost one of our greatest musicians who brought change and uplifted our Highlife music to another level.
We’ve lost a great contributor to Highlife music. Lumba came in with his style, and he is still very, very relevant to our music, and we cannot write the story of Highlife without Lumba.
Even up till now, every music you listen to has Lumba’s influence.
He took Highlife to many places,” Mr Simon said.
“Let me put it on record that King Charles of England listed Daddy Lumba’s song among his ‘Top 12 Songs’, which is a great achievement for any artiste.
“For someone of his calibre, he should be well celebrated. Daddy is a musician who, when his name is mentioned none other comes to mind. He is a state asset. “MUSIGA wishes his family God’s strength,” he added.
Mr Simon said MUSIGA was ready to work with the family to ensure “we get a befitting burial because he is a statesman.”
Inevitability of death
"Makra Mo" is a testament to Daddy Lumba's introspective and thoughtful approach to music. In the song, he acknowledges the inevitability of death and asks his Maker to let it exclude him, if possible.
He knew very well that many of his fans would be willing to die in his place. However, he acknowledged that it was not possible since it had already been destined for everyone to die.
Like Christ, knowing what lay ahead of him, Lumba pleaded with his Maker to let ‘the cup pass over’ him, if that was possible — a sad reality, he admitted, thinking of how he was going to eventually die with his great talent.
The song's themes of mortality and legacy have resonated with fans, who are now reflecting on its prophetic sense in the light of his passing.
When the time is due
Another song, "Se emerɛ no besoa" (when the time is due), further showcases Lumba's introspection, as he pleads with his Maker to prompt him or reveal it when his time on earth is due, to enable him to put his house in order before his departure. It is, however, not certain whether this wish was granted before his demise.
Born Charles Kojo Fosu on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, Ghana, Daddy Lumba rose to fame in the early 1980s with his unique blend of highlife, hiplife and traditional Ghanaian rhythms.
With a career spanning about four decades, he released more than 30 studio albums and became a household name across Africa and beyond.
Some of his most popular songs include “Ankwa anoma”, "Aben Wo Ha", "Yɛ Wo Krom", "Mekyi", "Sika", "Theresa", "Dada Kae", "Aseɛ Ho", Adaka tea” and "Playboy".
Daddy Lumba's music not only entertained but also addressed social issues. Many phrases from the lyrics of his songs became popular slogans.
Aben Wo Ha
Daddy Lumba’s ‘Aben Wo Ha’ song, released in 1998, was big to the extent that the Toyota Corolla E90 was nicknamed after it. He also composed a popular campaign song for the NPP flag bearer in the 2012 elections (Nana yɛ Winner).
Daddy Lumba's influence on Ghanaian music and culture is immeasurable. He was known for his powerful voice, emotional lyrics, and unique style of rendition that made him a beloved figure in Ghanaian music.
His legacy extends beyond his music, as he mentored other artists, including Ofori Amponsah and Great Ampong, and played a crucial role in shaping the soundscape of modern Ghanaian music. After recovering from a serious illness, Daddy Lumba explored gospel music, releasing "Mesom Jesus" in 1995 and "Hwan Na Otene" in 1996, a collaboration with gospel musician Akua Serwaa Bonsu.
Daddy Lumba's passing leaves a void in the Ghanaian music industry, but his legacy will continue to inspire and comfort fans across generations. His music will remain a testament to his artistry, creativity, and dedication to his craft.
As Ghana mourns the loss of a true legend, the people take comfort in the knowledge that Daddy Lumba's music will live on, a reminder of his impact on the country's cultural heritage.
Candlelight vigil/Book of Condolence
A national candlelight vigil will be held in honour of the late highlife legend, under the auspices of the Creative Arts Agency at the Independence Square in Accra on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The vigil will start from 6 p.m.
As part of the arrangements to honour Daddy Lumba's memory, the Fosu family will also open a Book of Condolence today at his private residence located at Kinshasha Crescent, East Legon, Accra, House Number 12 (GA-332-9264). The book will open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
In a statement released last Sunday, the family expressed appreciation to all well-wishers, friends, colleagues, fans, and the general public for the outpouring of love, prayers and support following the passing of their beloved Daddy Lumba after a brief illness.
"In this time of deep grief, your kindness and solidarity have brought us great comfort," the statement indicated.
"We kindly ask the public to continue to respect the privacy of the family as they mourn their lost icon, while also joining us to celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of our beloved Daddy Lumba."
It said details regarding the final funeral arrangements would be communicated to the public in due course.
