President John Dramani Mahama, former President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia have paid tribute to legendary Ghanaian highlife musician Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kojo Fosu, who passed away on July 26, after a short illness.

In a Facebook post, President Mahama lauded the late veteran musician for his "unmatched musicial genius", adding that his legacy will live on.

"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 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," the president wrote.

Former President Nana Akufo-Addo who received campaign songs Daddy Lumba noted that "was a pantheon among musical greats of all-time."

"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."

The former Vice President Dr Mahamudu also noted that the late Daddy Lumba was indeed a pillar in Ghana’s highlife genre.

"I have been informed of the saddening news of the passing of a true music icon, who’s had an incredible career spanning over three decades.

Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known by his stage name Daddy Lumba, has been a pillar in Ghana’s highlife genre, through whom many great talents have been nurtured and introduced.

His brilliant compositions and works have not only entertained but also inspired and uplifted many of us. His passing is indeed a huge blow, not only to the music fraternity but to the entire country. Samira and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, family, fans, and the whole country. LEGEND, REST WELL," he wrote.

A statement by the counsel for the Fosu family confirmed that the music veteran passed on.

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 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 has respectfully requested privacy as they navigate this profound grief. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.

Profile of the late veteran musician

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 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 “Woho 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.