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8th August 2025 11:56:11 AM
5 mins readBy: Abigail Ampofo
The vigil scheduled to be held in honour of the late highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, also known as Daddy Lumba, in Kumasi, has been postponed until further notice.
The Creative Arts Agency, the organizers, announced this in a statement dated August 7 signed by the acting Executive Secretary of the Agency, Gideon Aryeequaye.
"The Creative Arts Agency announces the indefinite postponement of the National Candlelight Vigil in honour of the late Charles Kwadwo Fosu, originally scheduled to take place in Kumasi on 9th August 2025," parts of the statement read.
The postponement has become necessary as part of the schedule to honour the heroes who lost their lives in the Adansi helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday August 6.
"This decision follows the directive of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, declaring three days of national mourning from 7th to 9th August 2025, in memory of the eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash at Adansi on 6th August".
The Creative Arts Agency expressed its condolences to the affected families, citing that a new date will be announced in due course.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the entire nation during this difficult time. A new date for the Candlelight Vigil will be communicated in due course".
The decision comes after President John Dramani Mahama declared three days of national mourning, from August 7 to 9, 2025, in honour of the victims.
The vigil, which was scheduled to take place yesterday, follows a successful one held at Independence Square in Accra on Saturday, August 2. Thousands of individuals flooded the Independence Square for the candlelight vigil.
The event, organised by the Creative Arts Agency, commenced at 6:00 p.m., featuring various dignitaries from the music fraternity.
The legendary Ghanaian highlife musician passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26. A statement by the counsel for the Fosu family confirmed the news to the general public.
He succumbed to the illness at the Bank Hospital in Accra, per reports.
The statement read: "With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana's beloved musical icon, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness."
"Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience."
The bereaved family respectfully requested privacy as they navigate this profound grief.
Daddy Lumba's ex-manager, Roman Fada, has dropped a hint about the possibility of a state burial for the musician under President Mahama's watch.
At Daddy Lumba's private residence in Accra on July 28, Roman Fada told the media that conversations have commenced to ensure the late singer is given a burial that reflects his legacy.
“We have received positive feedback from the Presidency, and I believe that John Dramani Mahama will respond to the public’s call by granting him a befitting burial,” Roman Fada said.
He explained that the former President's close relationship with the late singer and his track record in supporting the arts make him confident that the burial will be taken care of by the state.
“I know the kind of love the current President, John Dramani Mahama, has for the creative industry and the strong relationship he shared with Daddy Lumba,” he stated.
The deceased's family announced that a book of condolence was opened in honour of the late highlife legend beginning Tuesday, 29th July, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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.
"As part of the arrangements to honour his memory, the Fosu family wishes to announce the following events to be organised in his honour.
"Book of Condolence in honour of Daddy Lumba: Private residence of the late Daddy Lumba at Kinshasha Crescent, house number 12 (GA-332-9264)" parts of the statement read.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) shared a compassionate and commiseratory message with the family and friends of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba.
In a statement dated July 26, the opposition party praised the legend for his stunning and unforgettable contributions to the highlife genre in Ghana and beyond.
Acknowledging the impact of the highlife legend's contribution to the party's history, citing the iconic song “Nana Ye Winner,” a campaign song Lumba released for the NPP during their 2008 election campaign. They noted that the powerful lyrics and rhythm of the song were even regarded by their political opponents.
"For us in the New Patriotic Party, his melodious contribution to our campaigns in 2008, 2012, and 2016, through the famous "Nana Ye Winner track in its original and remix versions, remains deeply etched in the political history of our tradition and the country. The power and inspiration behind those songs were acknowledged even by our political opponents," parts of the statement read.
In a heartfelt X post on July 27, President Mahama expressed sorrow and declared that Daddy Lumba’s "unmatched musical genius" would resonate for generations to come.
“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,” President Mahama wrote, capturing the collective grief of a nation.
He continued, "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.”
This sentiment expressed by the president captures the deep emotions and connection many Ghanaians had with his music, which highlighted everyday life experiences with unparalleled artistry.
Former President Akufo-Addo, who has the late legend to be grateful to for his vibrant, energetic, and soul-dancing campaign song, reacted to his death. Taking to his official Facebook page on July 26, he praised him as the greatest among the greats
"With regret, I have received the sad news of the passing of my dear friend and renowned music icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu.
"Daddy Lumba, as we affectionately call him, was a pantheon among musical greats of all-time and had a special connection with his fans and the entire nation.
"His hit-making songs will remain lasting contributions to my presidential journey and will forever be etched in the annals of political campaign of the New Patriotic Party. He will be sorely missed.
"May he peacefully rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again," he expressed.
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