By Issah Olegor
Late Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba was posthumously celebrated at the 27th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Ghanaian music.
The emotional moment unfolded during the awards ceremony held on May 10, 2026, as members of the musician’s family and children mounted the stage to receive the honour on his behalf.
The tribute served as a poignant reminder of Daddy Lumba’s enduring influence on highlife music and Ghana’s entertainment industry after more than four decades of musical dominance.
A Career That Defined Generations
Born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, Daddy Lumba built a legendary career that transformed the Ghanaian music landscape. From the late 1980s through the 2000s and beyond, he became one of the most influential and commercially successful musicians in the country’s history.
His journey began in Germany with the Lumba Brothers alongside Nana Acheampong, before he launched an iconic solo career that produced countless classics including Aben Wo Ha, Ankwanoma, Poison, Menya Mpo, Theresa, Tokrom, and Yentie Obia.
Over the years, Daddy Lumba became known for his unique songwriting ability, emotional storytelling, and versatility in addressing themes ranging from love and heartbreak to wealth, spirituality, betrayal, and social life.
His music resonated deeply with multiple generations both in Ghana and among the diaspora.
Tributes and Emotional Moments at the Awards
The 2026 TGMA ceremony featured a special tribute segment dedicated to the late musician’s legacy. Several Ghanaian artistes performed renditions of his timeless songs, turning the auditorium into an emotional celebration of his life and artistry.
Among those who paid tribute were Ofori Amponsah and Okyeame Kwame, who performed some of Daddy Lumba’s best-known classics before a cheering audience.
Organisers of the awards noted that the Lifetime Achievement recognition was intended to honour his “immeasurable impact on Ghanaian music and culture,” describing him as one of the greatest highlife musicians Ghana has ever produced.
Recognition Beyond Ghana
The TGMA honour adds to a growing list of recognitions Daddy Lumba received throughout his illustrious career. During his lifetime, he won seven Ghana Music Awards and was honoured with the EMY Africa Icon/Legend of Entertainment Award in 2018..
In 2024, he was also decorated with a national honour by the Ghanaian state in recognition of his contribution to arts and culture.
Even in the latter stages of his life while battling health challenges, the musician continued recording music and remained active creatively.
Associates close to him have often recounted how he continued composing and producing songs despite mobility difficulties following spinal surgery.
His influence also gained international recognition in 2025 when one of his songs, Mpempem Do Me, was reportedly featured on a playlist curated by King Charles III.
Legacy Lives On Amid Family Disputes
The posthumous honour comes at a time when disputes surrounding Daddy Lumba’s estate, burial, and family affairs continue to dominate headlines.
Since his death on July 26, 2025, legal battles and public disagreements involving sections of his family have generated widespread discussion across Ghana.
However, during the TGMA tribute, attention shifted from the controversies to the music legend’s unmatched legacy and cultural significance.
