Charles Kwadwo Fosu, the Ghanaian highlife icon known to millions as Daddy Lumba, died Thursday morning at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra. He was 60.
One of the most prolific and influential figures in Ghana’s modern music history, Daddy Lumba built a career spanning more than three decades, releasing over 30 albums and shaping the sound of contemporary highlife. His death marks the end of an era for a generation of Ghanaians for whom his music formed part of the national soundtrack.
Known for his smooth vocals, lyrical flair, and genre-defining compositions, Lumba rose to national prominence in the late 1980s with the release of Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu, a collaborative debut with Nana Acheampong under the name Lumba Brothers. His solo career quickly gained momentum, producing hits such as Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Yentie Obiaa, and Playboy, songs that resonated across age groups and social classes.
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta-Amangoase in the Ashanti Region, Fosu’s early musical interests were nurtured in church and school choirs. His fusion of traditional Ghanaian rhythms with modern instrumentation helped redefine highlife, earning him a devoted following and widespread acclaim, both domestically and among the Ghanaian diaspora.
Over the years, Daddy Lumba’s artistry won him numerous awards and solidified his status as a cultural icon. His influence is evident in the works of several younger Ghanaian artists who credit him as a trailblazer and mentor.
A family statement and details about funeral arrangements are expected in the coming days.
