The death of Daddy Lumba, whose real name was Charles Kojo Fosu, at the age of 60, has left Ghanaians in sadness.

The renowned highlife performer passed away at a hospital on Saturday following a brief illness, according to a statement from his family.

According to the statement, Daddy Lumba “was a cultural icon and his music touched countless lives” over his nearly four-decade musical career.

“The greatest from Ghana in the last 100 years” is how Kofi Okyere-Darko, director of diaspora affairs in the president’s office, characterised Daddy Lumba.

Many young Ghanaian musicians were influenced by Daddy Lumba to pursue highlife music, which is a genre that is associated with the nation.

Over the course of his lengthy career, he is credited with 33 albums and more than 200 songs that touch on a variety of social themes, including love, forgiveness, beauty, money, and death.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, President John Mahama honoured him.

“Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life,” he stated. “The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages.”

“His passing is indeed a huge blow not only to the music fraternity but the entire country,” stated former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The first musicians to offer their condolences to the bereaved family were fellow singers Sarkodie, Guru, Sista Afia, and M.anifest, who praised the “incredible talent he shared with the world.”

On February 15, 2025, Lumba celebrated Valentine’s Day with a public concert including some of Ghana’s best musicians, attended by many of the nation’s powerful individuals and officials.

He met President Mahama earlier this month during a senior citizen gathering held at the government seat as part of the Republic Day holiday celebrations.

Later this year, he was scheduled to tour the United States and Canada.

Sika Sem, Aben Wo Ha, Wo Ho Kyere, Awosoo, Give Peace A Chance, and Ahenfue Kyinkye are some of his best-known albums.

Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo, his most recent single, was made available in December 2022.

Daddy Lumba was exactly who?

Lumba started his musical career in the early 1980s. He was born on September 29, 1964, in the Ashanti region of Ghana, in the town of Nsuta.

According to his official website, he wrote the song Lumba Lumba, which he dedicated to the South African independence warriors, earning him the stage moniker Lumba.

After visiting Germany, Daddy Lumba joined forces with fellow highlife performer Nana Acheampong, and the two became the Lumba Brothers.

Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom, their first official album, was published in 1986. The song of the same name depicts the hardships faced by Ghanaian immigrants in Europe who are trying to find a better life.

Following their disagreement and eventual breakup, Daddy Lumba started a solo career in 1990 with the release of his debut album, Obi Ate Meso Bio, and never looked back.

“As they navigate this profound grief,” his family has asked to remain anonymous.

In the days ahead, the public will be able to learn more about the funeral plans.