The people of Ghana fell into collective mourning on Saturday upon learning that music and cultural icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has taken his final curtain call.
The grief and mourning was led by President John Dramani Mahama, whoexpressed sorrow at the passing of celebrated Ghanaian highlife musician, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
In a statement posted on Facebook after his team confirmed the news of the icon’s death, President Mahama described Daddy Lumba as a “musical genius” whose timeless compositions served as the soundtrack to many Ghanaians’ lives.
He noted that while the beats of Lumba’s songs may fall silent, his legacy would continue to resonate across generations.
“On behalf of the Government of Ghana, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones for this irreplaceable loss,” he stated.
According to his team, he died after a short illness. He was 60.
BAWUMIA
Meanwhile former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ghanaian music icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known by his stage name Daddy Lumba.
According to him, the sudden demise of the musician is a major blow to the nation and the music industry.
In a post shared via Facebook, Dr Bawumia hailed the celebrated highlife musician for his extraordinary contribution to Ghanaian music, noting that his legacy spanned over three decades and helped shape the modern highlife sound.
“I have been informed of the saddening news of the passing of a true music icon, who’s had an incredible career spanning over three decades,” Dr Bawumia wrote.
He praised Daddy Lumba not only for his extensive catalogue of hits and memorable performances but also for his role in nurturing new talent and expanding the reach of Ghanaian music across generations.
“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,” the former Vice President stated.
Dr Bawumia also highlighted the enduring emotional and cultural impact of the artist’s work, describing it as both entertaining and uplifting.
“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.”
He concluded his message by extending condolences on behalf of himself and his wife, Samira Bawumia, to Daddy Lumba’s family, fans, and all Ghanaians.
“Samira and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, family, fans, and the whole country.”
The music icon passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Sources close to the family confirmed that the highlife maestro was admitted days earlier and died at dawn.
NANA AKUFO-ADDO
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo described Daddy Lumba as “a pantheon among musical greats of all-time” and a dear friend. “His hit-making songs will remain lasting contributions to my presidential journey and will forever be etched in the annals of political campaigns of the New Patriotic Party,” he said, referencing the singer’s role in the NPP’s campaign music from 2008 to 2016. “May he peacefully rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.”
NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) extended its deepest condolences to the family of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, on his painful passing.
“An iconic music legend, his remarkable contributions to the Ghanaian music industry, without a shred of doubt, have touched countless people,” said a statement signed by Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary.
“Daddy Lumba, celebrated for his distinctive voice and timeless melodies, has long stood as a symbol of cultural pride. Through his music, he masterfully told stories of love, hope, and resilience, creating a legacy that continues to resonate across generations. His exceptional ability to connect with people from all walks of life was a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft.
“For us in the New Patriotic Party, his melodious contribution to our campaigns in 2008, 2012, and 2016, through the famous “Nana Ye Winner” track in its original and remix versions, remains deeply etched in the political history of our tradition and the country. The power and inspiration behind those songs were acknowledged even by our political opponents.
“We mourn this great loss together with his family, friends, and the millions of fans who found joy, comfort, and meaning in his music. In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with all who are grieving, and we pray for strength and peace for his loved ones.
“In the years to come, Daddy Lumba will be remembered not only for his immense contributions to music but also for his role in uplifting and uniting the Ghanaian spirit. His influence will endure and continue to inspire future generations of artists and music lovers.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans as we honour the life and legacy of this distinguished music star.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace until the last day of resurrection. Amen!” the statement concluded.
In a release dated July 26, 2025, his family issued a statement through their lawyer, Fati Ali Yallah, Esq., of the law firm Baba Jamal & Associates.
The statement stated;
With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, 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.
