By Nadia Ntiamoah
Parliament was brought to a reflective pause this week as Members of Parliament (MPs) from both sides of the House united to pay a moving tribute to the late Ghanaian highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
The celebrated musician passed away on Saturday, July 26, prompting widespread national mourning.
Daddy Lumba, whose decades-long career transformed the soundscape of Ghanaian highlife music, was praised not only for his musical prowess but also for the cultural depth and generational impact of his work. MPs described him as more than a musician — a torchbearer of Ghanaian culture, a unifier across political and ethnic divides, and a mentor to a generation of artists.
In a statement on the floor of the House, Akwasi Konadu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Manhyia North, painted a picture of Lumba as a master craftsman of lyrics, whose music communicated more than rhythm — it conveyed values, identity, and reflection.
“His songs were rooted in Akan proverbs, with philosophical undertones that educated even while entertaining,” Konadu noted.
“He was a philosopher with a guitar, using melody to teach, reflect, and heal.”
Konadu highlighted Lumba’s wide discography — over 30 albums and more than 200 songs — touching on themes of love, betrayal, spirituality, humility, and gratitude.
Many of his classics continue to resonate on airwaves and at events, a testament to their timeless appeal.
Call for a State-Assisted Funeral
In a poignant appeal, Adelaide Ntim, MP for Nsuta/Kwaman Beposo —Lumba’s native constituency — urged the government to honour the music icon with a state-assisted burial and national award.
“Charles Kwadwo Fosu did not just entertain; he chronicled the lives of Ghanaians and became a symbol of resilience, artistic mastery, and national pride,” she said. “As a country, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to preserve his legacy through official recognition.”
She further called for cultural initiatives, such as the creation of a Daddy Lumba Memorial Music Foundation or Archive, to safeguard his body of work for academic and cultural research.
Music of Unity and Love
Theresa Lardi Awuni, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Okaikwei North, shared a personal reflection, describing how Lumba’s song “Theresa” had become a beloved anthem at events in her constituency. The song, she said, was a symbol of celebration, comfort, and inspiration for many households.
Awuni stressed that Lumba’s music inspired national unity and social cohesion.
“We lost not just a man, but a bridge between generations. He reminded us of who we are — a people of resilience, love, and shared heritage.”
She urged Parliament to emulate Lumba’s message of togetherness by conducting business in unity and mutual respect.
Legacy of a Highlife Legend
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta in the Ashanti Region, Charles Kwadwo Fosu began his musical journey as a teenager, becoming the leader of the Juaben Secondary School Choir in 1983. He later moved to Germany, where he formed the legendary Lumba Brothers duo with Ernest Nana Acheampong. Their 1989 debut album Yɛɛya Aka Akwantuo Mu was an instant success.
Lumba eventually went solo in 1990, releasing a string of hit albums, including Obi Ato Meso Boɔ and Sika Asɛm, cementing his status as a musical powerhouse.
He tackled not only romantic themes but also gospel and existential topics, often using his music to speak candidly about life’s trials and triumphs.
He made history by winning the ultimate award at the maiden Ghana Music Awards in 1999, taking home the Most Popular Song of the Year (now Artiste of the Year) with Aben Wo Ha — a record-breaking hit that still reverberates in Ghanaian music history.
A Milestone Celebrated in Humility
In September 2024, Daddy Lumba marked his 60th birthday with a rare celebratory concert.
Speaking at the event, he revealed that it was the first time he had ever celebrated his birthday, citing a life of hardship and survival.
“Since 1964, I have never celebrated my birthday. But the Lord has protected me, and I thank all who prayed for me,” he said, expressing deep gratitude for his life, fans, and the divine grace that sustained him.
