Ghana’s creative arts community is in mourning following the death of one of its most iconic figures, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba. His passing on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, has sparked an emotional wave of tributes from key industry bodies including the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), the Ghana Association of Phonographic Industry (GAPI), and the DJ’s Union of Ghana (DJUGA).
Widely regarded as a musical legend, Daddy Lumba’s death marks the end of a significant era in Ghanaian music. His legacy is being celebrated by the very institutions he helped influence through his art and advocacy.
MUSIGA: “He Was a Movement”
Leading the tributes, MUSIGA hailed Daddy Lumba as more than just a performer, calling him “a movement” who transformed the sound of Highlife and expanded its reach globally.
“Daddy Lumba was not just an entertainer. He was a movement—a once-in-a-generation talent whose voice, pen, and persona reshaped Highlife and elevated Ghanaian music on the world stage,” said MUSIGA President Bessa Simons.
“His songs became the soundtrack of our lives—accompanying weddings, heartbreaks, celebrations, and everyday moments. Through every melody, he reflected the beauty of our culture and language.”
“As MUSIGA President, I say 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 that silence will be filled with the enduring echo of his music.”
GHAMRO: Champion of Music Rights
GHAMRO acknowledged Lumba’s significant role in advocating for the rights of musicians and advancing the protection of intellectual property in Ghana.
“Daddy Lumba played an irreplaceable role in shaping Ghana’s music industry and supporting the development of collective rights management,” stated GHAMRO CEO Jackson Brefo.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, the entire music fraternity, and all Ghanaians mourning this immense loss. As we honour his legacy, we must also recommit to the excellence he embodied. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
GAPI: A Cultural Icon and Industry Advocate
GAPI praised Daddy Lumba not only for his musical brilliance but also for his active role in shaping the legal and structural landscape of Ghana’s music industry.
“Daddy Lumba was more than a music legend—he was a national treasure, a cultural icon, and a passionate advocate for the growth of the industry,” said GAPI General Secretary Richmond Adu-Poku.
“His unmatched talent and lyrical genius made him a symbol of excellence. As we celebrate his life, we pledge to uphold the values he stood for: originality, professionalism, and the protection of artistic rights. His music will forever echo in our hearts.”
GAPI described him as “a cultural compass, a lyrical architect, and a timeless voice in Ghana’s evolving music narrative.”
DJUGA: The DJ’s Inspiration
The DJ’s Union of Ghana (DJUGA) also shared a heartfelt tribute, celebrating the profound impact Daddy Lumba’s music had on DJs across the country.
“We honour Daddy Lumba not just for his artistry, but for the way his music enriched our craft. His sound made DJing more enjoyable and meaningful,” said Merqury Quaye, in a statement on behalf of DJUGA.
“His songs became the bridge between generations and genres, turning every DJ set into a journey between the soul and the speaker.”
Collectively, these tributes reflect the deep respect and admiration Ghana’s music industry holds for Daddy Lumba. His voice may be silent, but his music—and the legacy he leaves behind—will continue to inspire generations to come.