Late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, notably refused to acknowledge or interact with his mentee and fellow musician, Ofori Amponsah, on stage during his birthday, despite Ofori performing and being present throughout the night.

This was prior to an incident where Daddy Lumba had demanded the removal of Ofori Amponsah from the lineup of artists scheduled to perform at his concert on Valentine’s Day, dubbed “Valentine With Daddy Lumba.”

Diving into the details behind the drop, Executive Director of Event Factory Ghana Limited, Nabil Alhassan, who is directly involved in organizing major entertainment events in Ghana, during an appearance on UTV’s United Showbiz on Saturday, October 5, named Lumba as one of the most difficult artistes he has ever worked with, highlighting how after artistes scheduled to perform at Lumba’s Valentine’s Day Concert had been finalized, he received a call from Serwaa Amihere, which was a conference call including Daddy Lumba.

He said Lumba insisted that Ofori Amponsah be taken off the show or he wouldn’t perform.

“We made our first payment, and publicity started. One day, I saw Serwaa Amihere calling me. She said Daddy was on the line and wanted to speak to me about something going on. He said, ‘Nabil, how are you? I want you to take Ofori off the show,’” he said.

After probing why he wanted Ofori off the show, Nabil disclosed that Lumba informed him about how rumours suggested his former mentee had bad-mouthed him.

Nabil further detailed that after constantly questioning the late musician for the reason behind his request, Daddy Lumba claimed Ofori Amponsah's name was not included in the initial list of performers.

“Guess what, Ofori has been on his show at the birthday party, so I thought everything was cool... I asked him, ‘Daddy, what is happening?’ He was like, the last time we spoke to him, we didn't include that Ofori Amponsah was part of the artistes performing.

Serwaa then informed him that we mentioned Ofori's name. After that, he said someone had called him to inform him that Ofori was part of the people who once insulted him, so we should remove Ofori's name from the list.”

Nabil also shared how the late Daddy Lumba finally gave in after apologies were made.

“Lumba can refund your money at any time. When he comes to your show, he has your money in his hands. Any small mistake, he would leave... So I was hanging... We spoke to him, and he said either Ofori will perform before he comes or after,” he added.

The news of Daddy Lumba's passing hit the world in the early hours of Saturday. Initially, when news of his passing emerged, a journalist of Hitz FM, Andy Dosty, came to deny it, noting that Daddy Lumba was alive. However, barely three hours later, Daddy Lumba (DL) FM released an official statement signed by the legend’s lawyer, confirming his demise.

A statement by the counsel for the Fosu family later confirmed that the music veteran passed on July 26, after a short illness.

He succumbed to the illness at the Bank Hospital in Accra, per reports.

The statement reads: "With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana's beloved musical icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness."

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 Center.

During his time at Juaben Senior High School, he led the school choir and composed the song “Lumba Lumba,” dedicated to the freedom fighters in South Africa. This song’s popularity earned him the nickname “Daddy Lumba,” which later became his stage name. He also formed the Lumba Brothers band during his school days, which included his girlfriend at the time, Theresa.

After completing school, Daddy Lumba, with the help of his high school sweetheart Theresa Abebrese, traveled to Germany. There, he met Ernest Nana Acheampong, and they formed another Lumba Brothers group, recording their debut album, “Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom,” in 1986. Financial constraints delayed the album’s release until 1989, and eventually, the duo split.

Daddy Lumba then launched his solo career and released his debut solo album, “Obi Ate Meso Buo,” in 1990. The album received immense popularity and critical acclaim, featuring classics like the title track and “Theresa,” dedicated to his ex-lover. He has since released 33 albums, including notable ones like “Sika Asem,” “Aben Wo Ha,” “Wo Ho Kyere,” “Awosoo,” “Give Peace A Chance,” and “Ahenfo Kyiniye.” His latest project, “Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo,” was released in December 2022, reuniting him with longtime collaborator Kweku Mensah.

In addition to his own success, Daddy Lumba is renowned for nurturing the careers of budding artists who went on to become legends in their own right.

Some of these artists include Felix Owusu, for whom he produced the debut album “Vida” in 1992, Afia Ampofowaa, Kwabena Sunkwa, Ofori Amponsah with the “Wo Ho Kyere” album in 1999, Selina Orleans, Akua Serwaa Bonsu, Borax, Ateaa Tina, and many others.

His contributions to Ghanaian music and the support he provided to upcoming talents have solidified his status as an iconic figure in the country’s music industry.

With his passion, talent, and dedication to the craft, Daddy Lumba continues to be a role model for aspiring musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the rich musical landscape of Ghana.

Daddy Lumba's passing serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power of Highlife music as a cultural heritage.

Highlife, indigenous to Ghana, has evolved over the decades, reflecting the nation's social, political, and economic landscapes.

Artists like Daddy Lumba played a pivotal role in modernising the genre, ensuring its relevance and appeal across generations.

He was just two months away from celebrating his 61st birthday following the grand celebration he had last year, which saw the appearances of many notable personalities.

“The celebration of his 60th birthday took place on Sunday, September 29, 2024, with a grand event held at Bayview Village, near Atomic Junction in Accra. This marked his first-ever public birthday celebration, which he described as deeply emotional and spiritually significant.”

Also, his protégés including Ofori Amponsah, Kofi Nti, and Borax were present.

Media personalities such as Serwaa Amihere, Nana Ama McBrown, Okyeame Kwame, Empress Gifty, Ras Kuuku, gospel stars like Selina Boateng and Daughters of Glorious Jesus, AJ Poundz, Abena Pokuaa Ahwenee, and Kojo Kinn, as well as Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari, and others from the creative arts scene, all made an appearance at the legend's birthday party.

Before he performed his last song for the night that day, he rebuffed allegations against his wife, which suggested she had poisoned him.

He thanked one Mr. Twum and his Agric teacher for being there for him when he wasn't feeling well.

“Many accuse my wife, Akosua Serwa, of poisoning me. My wife will not do that. I had a spine surgery. It was Mama Acheampong who took me to the hospital, and Nana Twum paid all my bills. I am grateful to you all.”