Charles Kojo Fosu, universally celebrated as Daddy Lumba, was a colossus in Ghanaian music, leaving an indelible mark on the highlife genre and beyond. Born on 29 September 1964 in Nsuta, Ashanti Region of Ghana, and passing away on 26 July 2025 at the age of 60, Lumba’s career spanned over four decades, producing an astonishing 33 albums and influencing generations of musicians and fans alike. Known for his soulful voice, poignant lyrics, and innovative blending of traditional highlife with contemporary sounds, Daddy Lumba remains one of Ghana’s most iconic cultural figures.
Early Life
Daddy Lumba was born into a modest family in Nsuta, a small town in the Ashanti Region. His parents, Comfort Gyamfi (a teacher known as Ama Saah) and Owoahene Kwadwo Fosu (also a teacher), instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and creativity. Tragedy struck early when his father died during Lumba’s childhood, leaving his mother as his primary caregiver and emotional anchor. Comfort’s influence was profound—she nurtured his love for music and provided unwavering support. Her death in 2001 in Kumasi was a devastating blow, inspiring some of Lumba’s most heartfelt songs, including “Anidasoɔ Wɔhɔ Ma Obiara”, “Ohia Asɛm”, “Ɛmmere Pa Bɛba”, and “Agya Bi Wua Agya Bi Tease”. These tracks, rich with emotion, reflect the personal depth that became a hallmark of his artistry.
Lumba’s musical talent emerged during his teenage years at Juaben Senior High School (1983–1985). At just 16, he took on the role of choir leader under the mentorship of his music teacher, Christabel. It was here that he formed the Lumba Brothers, a group comprising friends Yaw and Kwabena, and his then-girlfriend Theresa Abebrese. Performing at school events and local gatherings, the group laid the groundwork for his future career. “Music was my escape and my joy,” Lumba once recalled in an interview, reflecting on those formative years. His early exposure to gospel music, combined with the vibrant rhythms of Ashanti culture, shaped the foundation of his unique sound.
Journey to Stardom
After completing his education, Lumba’s ambitions led him to Germany, a move facilitated by Theresa Abebrese’s encouragement and support. This relocation marked a turning point. In Germany, he met Ernest Nana Acheampong, a fellow Ghanaian musician whose knowledge of highlife broadened Lumba’s musical palette. Together, they revived the Lumba Brothers moniker and began working on their debut album, Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu. Financial constraints delayed its release, but in 1989, Lumba’s wife, Akosua Serwaa, stepped in as producer, ensuring its completion. The album’s success—buoyed by its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics—propelled Lumba into the spotlight and established him as a rising star in the highlife scene.
Returning to Ghana, Lumba’s career took off. His discography grew rapidly, with albums like Obi Ate Me So Buɔ (1990), Sika Asɛm (1991), and Playboy (1992) showcasing his versatility and knack for crafting hits. By the mid-1990s, he had become a household name, his music resonating with audiences across generations.
Musical Evolution and Impact
Daddy Lumba’s contribution to highlife—a genre rooted in Ghana’s colonial-era dance music—was transformative. He modernized the style by infusing it with elements of hip-hop, reggae, and gospel, creating a sound that appealed to both traditionalists and younger listeners. Owning his own recording studio, equipped with state-of-the-art mastering and production tools, gave him the freedom to experiment and refine his craft.
His discography is a treasure trove of classics. Albums like Aben Wɔha (1998), Mato Odo Mu (2000), and Poison (2001) are considered highlife masterpieces, while later works like Awoso (2014) and Hosanna (with Great Ampong, 2015) demonstrated his adaptability. Singles such as “Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo” (2022) and “Nya Abotare Na Twen Awurade” (2023) proved he remained relevant even in his later years. At the time of his death, he was working on his 34th album, Nnipa Fon Na Ɛka Nsɛm Fon, a project that promised to blend nostalgia with fresh innovation.
Lumba’s collaborations were equally legendary. His partnership with Nana Acheampong on Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu set a benchmark for duets in highlife, while his work with Ofori Amponsah on Woho Kyere (1999) produced five chart-topping hits and launched Amponsah’s career. Other notable collaborators included Pat Thomas, Felix Owusu, Ateaa Tina, Oheneba Kissi, and Afua Ampofowaa, each adding new dimensions to his music. His mentorship extended to 13 emerging Ghanaian artists, earning him praise as a nurturer of talent.
In 1999, Lumba dominated the Ghana Music Awards, winning Best Album, Artist of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year. His ability to connect with audiences through themes of love, loss, and resilience made him a cultural touchstone. “Daddy Lumba’s music wasn’t just entertainment—it was our life’s soundtrack,” said Ghanaian broadcaster Kwame Sefa Kayi, a sentiment echoed by many.
Controversies and Personal Touches
Lumba’s career wasn’t without turbulence. His willingness to explore provocative themes in songs like Playboy and Bubra (2003) occasionally drew criticism from conservative quarters, yet he remained unapologetic. He also faced rumors of skin bleaching, which he dismissed with characteristic wit.
Anecdotes from his life add color to his legend. At the 2025 Valentine’s Day concert in Accra, rapper Sarkodie knelt before Daddy Lumba in a powerful gesture of respect after joining him on stage for a duet. In London, during the 2024 Legends Night, he brought Shatta Wale and Samini together on stage, prompting an unexpected moment of reconciliation between the two stars. At that same show, a pregnant fan sprayed money on him, only to give birth just days later—an episode that captivated social media.
Not all live moments were warm; at a 2023 show in Accra, Lumba stopped his performance mid-song to rebuke a fan who kept spraying money on him and touching him without consent, asserting his professionalism and boundaries. In another unforgettable highlight that year, he reunited with Nana Acheampong as the Lumba Brothers for the first time in over 30 years, thrilling fans with classic duets and reviving nostalgia.
These moments—spontaneous, emotional, and at times confrontational—made Daddy Lumba not just a performer, but a living part of Ghana’s cultural pulse.
Beyond Music
In September 2022, Lumba expanded his influence by launching DLFM (106.9 MHz), a Twi-language radio station based in Accra. The station became a platform for promoting Ghanaian culture and music, reflecting his commitment to his roots. “I wanted to give back to the people who gave me everything,” he said at the launch.
On a personal level, Lumba was a devoted family man. Married to Akosua Serwaa and later Odo Broni, he raised several children, though he guarded their privacy fiercely.
Final Days and Untimely Death
Daddy Lumba’s health declined in mid-2025, though he kept the details private. On 26 July 2025, he passed away at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra, after a brief illness. The news stunned the nation. Just months earlier, he had been collaborating with King Promise on a new album, a project teased by the younger artist on Joy FM. “He was a mentor and a genius—we were creating something special,” King Promise said, visibly emotional.
Selected Discography
- Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu (with Nana Acheampong) – 1989
- Obi Ate Me So Buɔ – 1990
- Sika Asɛm – 1991
- Playboy – 1992
- Aben Wɔha – 1998
- Woho Kyere (with Ofori Amponsah) – 1999
- Mato Odo Mu – 2000
- Poison – 2001
- Bubra – 2003
- Awoso – 2014
- Hosanna (with Great Ampong) – 2015
- Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo (single) – 2022
- Nya Abotare Na Twen Awurade (single) – 2023
Legacy
Daddy Lumba’s music transcended generations, blending the old with the new in a way that felt timeless. His awards, mentorship, and cultural contributions cemented his status as a highlife pioneer. From rural villages to urban centers, his songs remain anthems of joy, sorrow, and celebration.
Though he is gone, Daddy Lumba’s voice lives on in his vast catalog and the hearts of millions. His legacy is a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite—a gift that will echo through Ghanaian history for decades to come.
