When you hear of my passing, don’t shed a tear — Daddy Lumba’s timeless words echo as Ghana grieves the loss of a musical titan. Yet, for many, the pain is too deep for them not to weep. 

Last Saturday morning, the nation was plunged into mourning as news broke of the passing of the Highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.

The iconic musician, whose voice and melodies defined generations, died at the Bank Hospital in Accra after a brief illness, leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy.  

Fans, fellow musicians and industry giants are still struggling to come to terms with the loss of the 60-year-old maestro, whose career spanned over three decades, birthing over 30 timeless albums.

From Ghana to the global stage, Daddy Lumba’s music — hits, including Aben W?ha, Obi Ate Me So Bo, and Mpempem D? Me transcended time, uniting Ghanaians across generations.

In fact, his song Mpempem D? Me featured in King Charles III of England’s special playlist for Commonwealth Day this year.

As news of Daddy Lumba's passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the music industry and beyond, and some close associates of the music icon have expressed their fond memories of him.

President John Dramani Mahama expressed grief over the passing of Daddy Lumba.

"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," the President said in a statement.

He said the beats to Lumba's memorable songs might have died down, but his enduring legacy would 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."

In an interview with Daily Graphic yesterday, a protege of Daddy Lumba, Kofi Nti, expressed shock and sadness, describing him as "my mentor and my father."

Nti, who is currently in the US, revealed that he woke up to messages about Daddy Lumba's death and initially struggled to verify the news.

However, after speaking to E. T. Akonor, a close associate of Daddy Lumba, he was reminded of a statement the legend once made: "When you hear of my passing, don't shed a tear”.

Musician and former president of Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bice Osei Kufuor, popularly known as Obour, paid tribute to Daddy Lumba's caring nature, describing him as "an extremely caring person" who had a lot of respect for others.

"I haven't been able to accept it. It's difficult to accept the passing of Daddy Lumba,” he said.

For his part, Bessa Simons, the current President of MUSIGA, highlighted the significant impact Daddy Lumba had on Highlife, stating it's impossible to tell the story of the genre without mentioning him.

“We have lost one of our greatest musicians who brought change and uplifted our Highlife music to another level. We’ve lost a great contributor to Highlife music. Lumba came in with his style and he is still very, very relevant to our music and we cannot write the story of Highlife without Lumba. Even up till now, every music you listen to has Lumba’s influence.

He took Highlife to many places,” Mr Simon said.

“Let me put it on record that King Charles of England listed Daddy Lumba’s song among his ‘Top 12 Songs’, which is a great achievement for any artiste.

“For someone of his calibre, he should be well celebrated. Daddy is a musician who, when his name is mentioned none other comes to mind. He is a state asset.  “MUSIGA wishes his family God’s strength and we are ready to work with them to make sure we get a befitting burial because he is a statesman,” he said.

A music producer, Fred Kyei Mensah, aka Fredyma, who has known Daddy Lumba for over 43 years, and worked with him revealed to the Daily Graphic that the legend's name was inspired by Patrice Lumumba, the popular Congolese revolutionary leader.

“Daddy Lumba was a member of a choir that sang a song about Patrice Lumumba while in school, and it made a great impression on him. The song stayed with him. It symbolised strength, leadership and purpose — qualities that mirrored his own journey.

“Lumba and I crossed path 43 years ago, and our music journey blossomed. We worked on a number of projects, and his music is timeless,” he added.

Other notable figures, including media personality, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), musicians Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have also paid tribute to Daddy Lumba's legacy. 

Lasting legacy

Daddy Lumba's impact on Ghanaian music cannot be overstated. With a career spanning over three decades, he released more than 30 albums and captivated audiences with timeless music.

His songs cut across generations and his legacy continues to inspire new artistes with notable Highlife artistes such as K.K. Fosu, Ofori Amponsah, Kofi Nti and Kwabena Kwabena hailing him as their greatest inspiration.

Daddy Lumba was the first musician to win the ultimate award at the maiden Ghana Music Awards in 1999.

At the time he won Most Popular Song of the Year (Now, Artiste of the Year category) with Aben Wo Ha.

In the words of George Quaye, who worked with Lumba during his days at Charterhouse, organisers of Ghana Music Awards, “What I remember about him is that during my days at Charterhouse, he was billed to perform at one of the editions and he agreed to sing only one song.

“However, when he got to the stage, he was overwhelmed by the audience’s response, and performed more than four songs on the night.

“He was a great person and proved that with his knowledge of music and depth of talent.

There are many people who were inspired by Daddy Lumba.

He was the one who introduced Ofori Amponsah, aka Mr All 4Real, to all of us, and so it is not like he is just gone. 

“He actually left Ghana with another great legacy in the person of Ofori Amponsah.

It’s an unfortunate news but we are just passing through, and when it’s time for us to go, we will go”. 

Daddy Lumba’s life

Daddy Lumba, real name Charles Kwadwo Fosu, a native of Nsuta in the Ashanti Region, was born on September 29, 1964.

He started his music career at age 16 and became the leader of the then Juaben Secondary School choir in 1983.

Daddy Lumba travelled to Germany after school to seek greener pastures where he teamed up with Ernest Nana Acheampong to form the musical duo, Lumba Brothers.

They rose to fame with their debut album, Y??y? Aka  Akwantuo Mu in 1989 which had popular songs such as Odo Fakye, Enko Ngya Me, Yenka Ntam, and Aban Nsa Aka Wo.

They, however, went their separate ways, and in 1990, Daddy Lumba released his solo album Obi Ato Meso Bo, and followed it with another banger-laden album, Sika As?m in 1991.

Daddy Lumba is credited with over 30 albums, which spanned themes of love, death, beauty, life and the gospel of salvation.  

His last album, Enko Den had songs such as Biakoye featuring Okyeame Kwame, and Yenfa Anadwo Yenda.

n September last year, Daddy Lumba marked his 60th birthday with a concert, where he revealed it was the first time he was celebrating his birthday.

In his words, “Since 1964, I have never celebrated my birthday and I know it will surprises many but that’s the truth. But at this moment in my life, all that I have been through and what people said about me, the Lord has protected me to celebrate the landmark 60 years which is not easy to achieve.

“I thank God and all my loved ones who pray for me always.

The Lord listened to your prayers. I’m grateful to God that I get to celebrate this day in peace, life and good health”.