Ghanaian Highlife legend Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has died at the age of 60.
The music icon passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness, according to a statement from his family.
In a statement, the Fosu family said: “With profound sorrow and deep grief, we announce the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today after a short illness.
Daddy Lumba was 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.
During this time of immense loss, we respectfully request privacy for the family and loved ones as they navigate this profound grief. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.”
A trailblazer in Ghanaian music
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest and most influential musicians. With a career spanning over three decades, he released more than 30 albums, many of which became instant classics and earned him a devoted following across generations.
He began his music journey in the 1980s with the Lumba Brothers, a group he co-founded with Nana Acheampong, before launching a successful solo career. His breakthrough album, Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu, released in 1989, marked the beginning of a new era in Ghanaian highlife music.
Known for hits like Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Playboy, Sika Asem, and Tokrom, Daddy Lumba combined traditional highlife rhythms with contemporary sounds, cementing his place in the annals of African music.
He won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Ghana Music Awards, and was celebrated for his consistency, innovation, and lyrical depth. Beyond music, he inspired a generation of artists and remained a household name across Ghana and the diaspora.
