Daddy Lumba, Ghana’s highlife legend and music icon, dies at 60
The celebrated musician died on Saturday while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness at a local hospital, his family confirmed in an official statement reported by the BBC.
Acclaimed Ghanaian highlife icon Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has died at the age of 60.
The celebrated musician passed away on Saturday while undergoing treatment at a local hospital for an undisclosed illness. His family confirmed the news in an official statement, as reported by the BBC.
Following the announcement, Ghanaian President John Mahama took to the social media platform X to pay tribute to the legendary artist.
"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," said Mahama on Sunday.
"The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will 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."
Tributes have also poured in from fellow Ghanaian artists, including Sarkodie, Guru, M.anifest, and Sista Afia, who all acknowledged Lumba's profound influence on their musical journeys and praised his remarkable contributions to the industry.
Musical career
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta in the Ashanti Region, Lumba began his musical career in the early 1980s. His stage name was derived from the song "Lumba Lumba", a tribute to South Africa's freedom fighters.
After relocating to Germany, he partnered with Nana Acheampong to form the Lumba Brothers. Their debut album, "Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom", released in 1986, captured the emotional struggles of Ghanaian immigrants living abroad.
The duo eventually parted ways, and Lumba launched a successful solo career, debuting with the 1990 album "Obi Ate Meso Bio".
Over the decades, he released numerous hit albums including "Sika Sem", "Aben Wo Ha", "Wo Ho Kyere", "Awosoo", "Give Peace A Chance", and "Ahenfue Kyinkye". His final studio album, "Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo", was released in December 2022.
Lumba's last public performance was on February 15 during a Valentine’s Day concert, where he shared the stage with some of Ghana’s top music stars.
Earlier this month, he also attended a Republic Day celebration for senior citizens, where he met President Mahama.
At the time of his death, Lumba had been preparing for a North American tour scheduled for later this year.
Spanning nearly four decades, his career produced 33 albums and over 200 songs, earning him recognition as a key architect of modern highlife and an inspiration to generations of Ghanaian musicians.
His family has requested privacy as they grieve and noted that funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
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