Long-time friend and former manager of the late highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has suggested that the persona of his old friend as a musician be studied, stating that he is an institution worth emulating.

Mr Ernest Toah Akonor made these recommendations during a media engagement on the sidelines of Lumba's one-week observation held at Independence Square on Saturday, August 30.

Even as a former manager and close friend, he expressed his shock at how coded and profound some of Lumba’s lyrics are. Referring to excerpts from one of his songs, “Obi Ate Me So Buo,” which translates as “someone has devalued me” or “reduced my value,” he noted that many people sang it differently, with an interpretation suggesting that a stone had been thrown at them.

"I said it before somewhere that the man is a moving institution. Okay. People must study his music. As of today, we're now beginning to understand some of the lyrics he wrote.

"Even today, I found out one which everybody sings differently. For example, one song people don't understand. It is not....Another one. ....There are two things. So that's the difference.

"I've told you that he is an institution. So we must have some kind of a museum or something where his works can be showcased and get value for them for generations...", Mr Akonnor mentioned.

Despite having thirty-three albums to his name before his passing, the Ghanaian highlife legend, according to his former manager, Ernest Toah Akonor, still has songs that were never released.

Mr. Akonor hinted that these songs could be released on his birthday this month, September 29, which would have been his 61st.

According to the former manager and old friend of Lumba, despite having several unreleased tracks, about six of them were fully worked on and mastered, while the others were still in the works.

"...But before he passed, he had done six songs that were complete, and I know where they are. We should be expecting it maybe on his birthday, which would have been his 61st on September 29. So maybe that will be when the first song will be released,” Akonor disclosed.

Despite the hint of a release of one of these songs on his birthday, Mr. Akonor, however, noted that it would not be an easy process given the current misunderstanding and tensions within the family of the late musician.

"Well, this is, I thought, it has legal implications because we need to deal with families and children. So we have to go through that legal list before we can come out and say that we are releasing. But we wish that by that time we'll be able to go through all that because already there's too much tension, as you can see.

"So, people have taken sides, as you would expect. People have taken sides, belonging to one faction or the other. All these things have to be ironed out so that it will pave the way for the release of the song," he said.

Lumba always wanted to produce the best for his consumers, according to Mr. Akonor. While efforts will be made to release some of the said songs, they will have to be done in a way he would have done it, citing that Lumba was known for recording his songs in Ghana; however, the mastering of the tracks was mostly done by an engineer in Germany who passed some years before the legend's passing some weeks ago.

"He records here (Ghana), but he masters it in Germany. Unfortunately, the guy doing the mastering for him also passed away some years ago."

Meanwhile, Daddy Lumba's one-week observation was held at Independence Square on Saturday, August 30th. Originally scheduled to be held at the University of Ghana Stadium, it had to be moved due to the ban on drumming and noise-making in the La Traditional Area which had effected a 25-day ban.

According to the Council, the University of Ghana Stadium falls within its jurisdiction, and currently, a ban on drumming and noise-making is in effect, hence the need for a reconsideration of the venue, cancellation or postponement.

The Council noted that, while they acknowledge the legend's impact, it shall not compromise the traditions, as during this sacred period their leader, Niimei, would have visited the spiritual realm and noises that jeopardise the spiritual order shall not be accepted.

"…On behalf of Niimei and the good people of La, the La Homowo Planning Committee wishes to first express its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the entire nation for the loss of such a towering international music icon whose legacy remains undeniable.

"However, the Council wishes to firmly remind the general public that, effective Monday, 11th August 2025, a ban on noisemaking came into force across the entire La Traditional Area stretching from the main La township to Maalejor on the Dodowa road and Ayi Mensah at the foot of the Aburi mountains. Aside from the general noisemaking, this ban also strictly prohibits funerals and all funeral-related activities of any kind.

"During this sacred period, Niimei would have entered the spiritual realm, and as such, no activity that contravenes the cultural and spiritual order will be tolerated." Any such planned activity must be postponed, rescheduled, or cancelled outright," the Council noted in a statement.

The iconic musician passed away at age 60 on the morning of Saturday, July 26, while receiving treatment at the Bank Hospital in Accra, following a short illness, as announced by the family through their lawyer.

Though some government officials visited earlier following his passing, while President Mahama also mourned the musician publicly in a heartfelt tribute, on Sunday, July 27, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. In his message, President Mahama described Daddy Lumba as a “national treasure” whose music provided the “soundtrack to our lives”.

While President Mahama expressed his condolences to the family and Ghana as well as fans beyond Ghana, he paid no visit to Lumba's residence, seemingly waiting for an official notification from the family.

On Monday, 25 August, the family paid a courtesy call on Chief of Staff Julius Debrah at the Jubilee House to observe traditional protocol and formally communicate the news.

Discussions on the funeral arrangements and possible state support to honour the late music icon were held.

During the discussion, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, noted that, if money could save a life, maybe a try would have been given, citing that "If money could save a life, we would have found a way. This is not just a loss for the family but for the entire nation.”

Mr Debrah eulogised the musician for his soul-lifting songs, which resonate with many, including himself and the president.

“The President loved Daddy Lumba’s songs. When he sits in his car and sings along, you’d be amazed — so this is a great loss to us all," assuring the family that “We can’t say we won’t honour him, especially considering how well he honoured Ghana with his music,” Julius Debrah noted.

Since the news of his passing, scores of Ghanaians have poured in tributes to honour his memory and the legacy he leaves behind.

A book of condolence was been opened in honour of the late highlife legend Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, the family of the musician has announced.

In an official statement issued on July 27 by his lawyers, Baba Jamal & Associates, on behalf of the bereaved family, the family invited all well-wishers, friends, fans, and family to sign the condolence book, which will be available at Daddy Lumba's private residence in East Legon.

He died at 60 leaving behind thirty-three (33) albums to his name.

He is celebrated as one of Ghana’s greatest Highlife musicians with a career spanning more than three decades.

Daddy Lumba was renowned for his incredible talent as a singer, composer, songwriter, recording artist, and producer.

With an illustrious career that has spanned over three decades, Daddy Lumba was widely regarded as the greatest and most influential musician in Ghanaian history.

Many artists in Ghana, including Ofori Amponsah, Sarkodie, Kuami Eugene, Paa Solo of Sibo Brothers, Oheneba Kissi, KiDi, and others, consider him their major inspiration in the music industry.

Daddy Lumba was born 60 years ago to Mr. Johnson Kwadwo Fosuh and Madam Comfort Gyamfi, also known as Ama Saah, in Nsuta, near Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Both of his parents were teachers, and he was the second of three siblings.

His educational journey began in Nsuta Kyebi, and he completed junior high school at Suame Methodist, Kumasi in 1979. Subsequently, he attended Adu Gyamfi Senior High School in Jamasi, but later transferred to Juaben Senior High School, where he completed his secondary education in 1984.

Daddy Lumba’s music career took off in the early 80s when he formed the Nkwanta Wesley Singers, gaining fame at the Anokye Krom Cultural Centre.