Described as a musical icon, Daddy Lumba’s death marks the end of an era, and his legacy is being fondly remembered by the very institutions he helped shape.

The legendary Highlife singer, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at age 60.

Leading the tributes, MUSIGA described the late musician as more than just an entertainer, calling him “a movement” who transformed Ghana’s Highlife scene and elevated its global standing.

“Daddy Lumba was not just an entertainer. He was a movement. A once-in-a-generation talent whose voice, pen, and persona reshaped the sound of Highlife and elevated the profile of Ghanaian music globally,” MUSIGA President Bessa Simons said in a statement.

“His songs became the soundtrack to our lives—classics that defined weddings, heartbreaks, reunions, celebrations, and everyday joys. With every chord and chorus, he captured the complex beauty of our culture, our language, and our lived experiences.”

“As President of MUSIGA, I say this with certainty: the name Daddy Lumba will never fade. He sang with the voice of a nation and exits with the silence of a king. But in that silence, his music will continue to echo.”

Similarly, GHAMRO paid homage to the late music icon, emphasising his vital role in advancing music rights and protecting the interests of fellow creatives.

“GHAMRO acknowledges the irreplaceable role Daddy Lumba played in shaping the musical landscape of our nation and contributing significantly to the growth of collective rights management in Ghana,”, GHAMRO’s Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Brefo wrote in a statement.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the entire music fraternity and all Ghanaians who are mourning this great loss. As we celebrate his life and legacy, let us also recommit ourselves to preserving and promoting the kind of excellence that Lumba so passionately exemplified. May the gentle soul of Charles Kwadwo Fosu rest in perfect peace.”

GAPI also released a statement celebrating Daddy Lumba’s immense influence on Ghanaian music, not just as a singer but as a strong advocate for the music industry’s structural and legal development.

“Daddy Lumba was more than a musical legend—he was a national treasure, a cultural icon, and a fierce advocate for the Ghanaian music industry,” said Richmond Adu-Poku, GAPI’s General-Secretary.

“His unmatched talent, lyrical brilliance, and ability to connect with generations through his music made him a household name and a symbol of excellence.

“As we celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy, we at GAPI pledge to uphold the standards he stood for—originality, professionalism, and the protection of intellectual property. His music will forever echo in our hearts, and his impact will live on in the rhythm of every Ghanaian song.

“Today, we stand in the stillness of music’s heartbeat to pay solemn tribute to a man whose voice became the soundtrack of a generation. Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known to the world as Daddy Lumba, was more than a musician—he was a cultural compass, a lyrical architect, and a timeless voice in the ever-evolving story of Ghanaian music”.

In a similar vein, the DJ’s Union of Ghana praised the late music icon for making the art of DJing both enjoyable and seamless, attributing it to the dedication and quality he consistently brought to his music and creative process.

“As the DJ’s Union of Ghana, we honour him not only for his unmatched artistry, but for his influence on the decks of every turntable. His music made our job not just easier—but more meaningful.

“His sound transcended genre and generation, gifting every DJ a bridge between the past and the present, between the soul and the speaker”, a statement signed by Merqury Quaye of DJUGA stated