Daddy Lumba
Charles Kwadwo Fosuh (29 September 1964 – 26 July 2025), known professionally as Daddy Lumba, was a Ghanaian singer-songwriter, a Royal of the Asante tribe, musician, and record producer. A prolific and prominent figure in modern highlife, he is regarded as the greatest and most influential Ghanaian musicians of all time. Lumba was noted for his expansive songwriting, dynamic artistry, and musical longevity as well as his controversies.
Also recorded as Charles Fosuh · Charles Kwadwo Fosuh · Charles K Fosu
Daddy Lumba

Owula kpakpo · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Born
- 1964. · Nsuta.
- Died
- 2025. · Accra.
- Nationality
- Ghana and Germany.
- Occupation
- musician.
- Education
- Juaben Senior High School.
- Languages
- English.
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Charles Kwadwo Fosuh (29 September 1964 – 26 July 2025), known professionally as Daddy Lumba, was a Ghanaian singer-songwriter, a Royal of the Asante tribe, musician, and record producer. A prolific and prominent figure in modern highlife, he is regarded as the greatest and most influential Ghanaian musicians of all time. Lumba was noted for his expansive songwriting, dynamic artistry, and musical longevity as well as his controversies.
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Daddy Lumba (1964–2025) was a musician and a national of Germany and Ghana. Born in Nsuta, the musician died in Accra. Daddy Lumba studied at Juaben Senior High School. Languages used include English.
Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 27 September 2026
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gnd · 1033925993 · wikidata · Q5208021 · wikipedia · Daddy Lumba
In this article
Early life
Early life
Rooted in Ghanaian culture and folklore, his lyrics touched on topics such as love, life, death, family, money, poverty, pleasure, grief, spirituality, and sensuality. During the development of Germany-based Burger Highlife in the late 1980s, Lumba began his musical career as part of the Lumba Brothers duo with fellow Ghanaian artist Nana Acheampong. Both were migrants living in Germany at the time. They released their sole studio album, Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom, in 1989; the title track became a hit back home in Ghana and is considered one of the most celebrated songs in highlife music. Shortly after the duo disbanded in the early 1990s, Lumba embarked on a solo career and launched his own record label, Lumba Productions, an imprint of MiPROMO. He released a catalog of successful records over the course of several decades. Lumba won seven Ghana Music Awards. He received the EMY Africa Awards' Icon/Legend of Entertainment award in 2018. In 2023, he was also given the Borga Highlife Lifetime Award by the German Ambassador to Ghana. In 2024, he was among the recipients of the National Honours and Awards. In 2025, his song "Mpempem Do Me" was included on an Apple Music-exclusive playlist curated by the UK's King Charles III for Commonwealth Day.
Charles Kwadwo Fosu was born on 29 September 1964 in Nsuta, Ashanti Region of Ghana to Comfort Gyamfi (n.a.–2001), popularly known as Ama Saah, and Johnson Kwadwo Fosu. The second of three siblings, both of his parents were teachers. His father died early in his childhood. Fosu began his education in Nsuta, and attended Suame Methodist in Kumasi, graduating in 1979. He then attended Adu Gyamfi Senior High School in Jamasi but later transferred to Juaben Senior High School, where he would complete his secondary education in 1984.
Rising popularity (1990–2000s)
Rising popularity (1990–2000s)
After the Lumba Brothers split, Daddy Lumba released his debut solo album, Obi Ate Meso Buo, in 1990, which was met with critical acclaim and was popular within the Ghanaian music space. The album included the song "Theresa," dedicated to his former girlfriend. Lumba records his music in the Rheinklang Studio, located in Düsseldorf, Germany. Daddy Lumba released at least one album annually until 2010. In total, he released 27 studio albums during this period of time (including Obi Ate Meso Buo). He released his music through his own record label, Lumba Productions, an imprint of MiPROMO. Throughout the 1990s, he produced albums for several fellow artists in Germany, including Vida by Felix Owusu, in 1992. Around this time, Lumba met Ofori Amponsah, who was looking for a producer to kickstart his music career. Simultaneously, Daddy Lumba briefly put his music career on hold. His first collaboration with Lumba was on the song "Anti Atta," and he released his debut album, Asew. He had also worked with Ofori with the studio album, Wo Ho Kyere, released in 1999. In 1999, he won three awards at the Ghana Music Awards, including Album of the Year and Most Popular Song of the year. He also won Artiste of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards in 2000. On 10 December 2005, Daddy Lumba performed at the House of Blues in Chicago. Daddy Lumba was a public endorser of New Patriotic Party (NPP). His song, "Nana Ye Winner," played a vital role in the party's presidential campaigns in 2008 (its release date), 2012, and 2016. He also released another song for Nana Akufo-Addo's 2020 re-election, titled "4 More For Nana." On 11 January 2009, three armed military personnel stormed into Lumba's residence in Atimatim, Kumasi. In the home at the time were his younger sister, Faustina Fosu, along with other relatives. According to Faustina, the armed men asked about the whereabouts of Lumba, elaborating that they had travelled with him from Accra and were told by him to meet him in the house. Once she told them he wasn't home, they left, only to return two hours later at the gate of the home with aggression and verbal insults. Once they left, she got in contact with authorities. There were no public statements by Daddy Lumba about the incident.
2010—2025
2010—2025
On 26 December 2010, Daddy Lumba was scheduled to perform at the Royal Lamerta Hotel, Ahodwo in Kumasi, the first time performing in the city in 26 years to celebrate his 26th anniversary of his solo career. The event was rescheduled for 1 January 2011 (at the same venue) due to deteriorating equipment, vandalism, and other unsatisfactory characteristics of the hotel. The hotel was sued as a result of breaching its part of the contract with the organisers of the event. On 17 January 2018, Lumba filed a lawsuit at the Accra High Court against Kwame Anokye, also known as Daddy Lumba Junior, alleging that Anokye had claimed to be his son and had impersonated him to receive gifts from people. He further alleged that Anokye had started impersonating him since his appearance on the TV Africa-produced reality show, Just Like You. As a result of the lawsuit, he changed his stage name to Anokye Supremo. At the 2018 EMY Africa Awards, Lumba won the Icon/Legend of Entertainment award. When he received the prize, he said, "Thank you to the organisers and the people of Ghana. I'll keep giving you good music for as long as I live." In October 2023, The German Ambassador to Ghana gave Lumba the Borga Highlife Lifetime Achievement Award. Lumba received the Grand Medal at the 2024 National Honours and Awards, held at the Accra International Conference Centre on 30 December 2024. In commemoration of the 2025 Commonwealth Day, King Charles III listed 'Mpempem Do Me' song as among his favorites. The song ranked seventh out of 17 songs on King Charles's "the kings music room" playlist on Apple Music. Lumba was set to go on tour across the United States and Canada after over 20 years. The tour was cancelled by TM Entertainmentz on the day of his death. According to Ghanaian record producer Kaywa, Lumba was working on one last album before his retirement from the music industry. The album would have explored different genres, including roots reggae, amapiano, afrobeats, and highlife.
Artistry
Artistry
Lumba wrote, composed, arranged, produced, and performed his compositions. Though his music was usually sung in Twi, he occasionally sings in English. Once, in "Homeless", he sang not only in Twi and English but also in German, which he learned during his journey through Germany earlier in his career.
Musical style
Musical style
Being raised in a gospel background, Lumba recorded multiple gospel albums and songs centering around his thoughts on life, love, and relationships, along with providing motivation and hope. Daddy Lumba's musical style is described as versatile and deeply emotional, exploring a wide range of themes. His over 200 recorded songs delve into topics such as love, relationships, marriage, poverty, hope, money, homelessness, motivation, gratitude, happiness, God, and grace. His music often reflects his deep appreciation for womanhood, gratitude toward loved ones, and personal experiences, making him a relatable and impactful artist.
Personal life
Personal life
His mother, Comfort Gyamfi (Ama Saah), was a significant influence on him. Her death in 2001 deeply affected him and inspired emotionally rich songs reflecting grief, hope and faith. Daddy Lumba was known to be somewhat private about his personal life. His net worth is estimated to be around $16 million (GH₵176 million), making him one of the wealthiest musicians in Ghana.
Radio station
Radio station
In September 2022, Lumba opened DLFM (106.9 MHz), a radio station broadcasting in Twi in the Accra area.
Illness and death
Illness and death
In the early morning hours of 26 July 2025, Lumba died suddenly at The Bank Hospital, located in Cantonments, Accra. Prior to his death, during his 60th birthday celebration in Accra in 2024, he debunked rumours that Akosua Serwaa had poisoned him. He disclosed he underwent spinal surgery,believed to be around 2013. Before 2013, he was a healthy man who performed at many concerts and events. Lumba performed at several concerts and shows around the world. King Promise revealed to Joy FM that he and Daddy Lumba were working on a collaborative album in the previous two months preceding Lumba's death.
Funeral rites
Funeral rites
The family head (abusuapanin) of the late musician, Lumba announced his final funeral would take place on 6 December 2025 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
December 2025 court injunction
December 2025 court injunction
On 12 December 2025, the Accra High Court granted an injunction following a petition filed by Daddy Lumba’s maternal relatives, temporarily halting preparations for his funeral, which had been scheduled for 13 December 2025. The court restrained the family head, Kofi Owusu (Abusuapanin), from organizing the funeral and barred Transitions Funeral Home from releasing the body from the mortuary pending the determination of the substantive legal dispute. The ruling emphasized that the immediate family of the deceased had allegedly been excluded from the funeral planning process and that due process required their involvement. The court further ordered that a stakeholder meeting be convened to agree on a new burial date and directed that all funds raised for the funeral be kept separate from accounts operated by the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation until the matter was resolved. Later the same day, the injunction was lifted after the applicants failed to meet a court-ordered requirement to deposit a GH¢2 million undertaking necessary to sustain the injunction. Consequently, the barrier was removed and funeral preparations were permitted to proceed as originally planned for 13 December 2025.
Work cited
Work cited
Primary "My Story". Daddy Lumba. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
Life and career
Dated record
Life and career
The full dated record · 1 entries
2025
Daddy Lumba died at Accra.
Places
Named by the record
Places
Only places the record itself states, plotted where the house gazetteer settles their coordinates. Nothing is inferred from a name or a nationality.
Nsuta.
Birth place
Accra.
Death place
Aesthetics
Lumba was known for introducing a swagger and charisma to Highlife, which many weren't accustomed to. He had many hairstyles throughout his career, including a fade, cornrows, and Jehri curls.
Legacy
Daddy Lumba inspired and encouraged many young Ghanaians and Ghanaian musicians to pursue highlife through his music. He had also helped start many artists' careers, including Felix Owusu, Afia Ampofowaa, Kwabena Sunkwa, Ofori Amponsah, Selina Orleans, Akua Serwaa Bonsu, Borax, Ateaa Tina, and many more. Other musicians such as Sarkodie, King Promise, and KiDi cited Lumba as a major influence on their music careers. Lumba's contribution to the progression of Ghanaian highlife music helped to redefine the genre and further increase its international appeal and cultural impact.
First recordings and the Lumba Brothers (1983–1989)
Fosu started singing at the age of 16, when he led the Juaben Senior High School choir from 1983 to 1984. He had also formed his first band, "Lumba Brothers," with his friends. He started to become widely known in the region when he formed the Nkwanta Wesley Singers, with the group gaining fame at the Anokye Krom Cultural Center. During this time, he composed the song "Lumba Lumba," dedicated to the South African freedom fighters of the time. The song became popular, earning him the nickname "Daddy Lumba," which later became his stage name. Once graduating from Juaben, he moved to Germany in 1983 with the support of his then girlfriend Theresa Abebrese, whom he met in high school, and the support of his School Teacher, Mama Acheampong. In Germany, he met Highlife musician Nana Acheampong. Acheampong was already in a duo called "Talking Dreams." They struck up a friendship and formed the duo the Lumba Brothers (derived from Daddy Lumba's earlier band). They planned to release their debut studio album, Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom in 1986, produced by Joseph Owusu Banahene. The album's commercial release was postponed to 1989 due to financial issues but went on to become an major success for the duo. The Lumba Brothers were cited for popularizing a new sub-genre of Highlife, called Burger-Highlife. In the following two years, the duo split up, but they still performed together at live shows for about ten years until Lumba relocated to another city.
Primary material
Documents and archives
authority file
- Gemeinsame Normdatei 1033925993, Daddy Lumba.
Unverified · Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
reference work
- “Daddy Lumba”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
authority record
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q5208021: Daddy Lumba
Unverified · Wikidata
Awards and nominations
Sources ^[a]Ghana Music Awards.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Tawiah, Ohemeng. Kumasi High Court told Daddy Lumba died a Ghanaian. MyJoyOnline. 26 November 2025.
- 2.Adom, Komla. Daddy Lumba: Ghana's highlife legend dies age 60. www.bbc.com. 2025-07-27.
- 3.Nipaa, Tilly Akua. Daddy Lumba As A Course To Be Studied?. Modern Ghana. 2020-03-11.
- 4.Livemint. Daddy Lumba, famed Ghanaian highlife singer, dies at 59 in Accra Today News. mint. 2025-07-26.
- 5.Acheampong, Richmond. Not Just a Singer: Daddy Lumba and the Soul of a Nation. Modern Ghana. 2025-08-02.
- 6.Kwame, Christopher Sededzi. Daddy Lumba: The highlife legend who redefined Ghanaian music Pulse Ghana. pulse.com.gh. 2025-07-26.
- 7.Daddy Lumba. GhanaWeb.
- 8.Sankofa Series: Spotlight on Daddy Lumba's contribution to Highlife music. GhanaWeb. 28 March 2025.
- 9.10 fascinating facts about Highlife Legend Daddy Lumba — And the legacy he leaves behind. Daily Graphic. 26 July 2025.
- 10.Ghanaian legendary artiste Daddy Lumba don die. BBC News. 26 July 2025.
- 11.Adjavon, Fredrick. Tribute to Daddy Lumba: The Highlife Maestro. The iMullar. 26 July 2025.
- 12.Nana Acheampong finally details how he met Daddy Lumba. GhanaWeb. 4 September 2019.
- 13.Addo, Asare-Bediako. "Nana Acheampong introduced me to Highlife music" - Daddy Lumba. Atinka Online. 2 January 2023.
- 14.Kojo Mula, Nana. In Tribute To Daddy Lumba, Ghana's Most Beloved Maverick. The Native. 29 July 2025.
- 15.Florian, Carl. Berlin/Accra Music, Travel, and the Production of Space. University of Cape Coast. 62. March 2026.
- 16.See the list of over 200 songs Daddy Lumba released. myjoyonline.com. 27 July 2025.
- 17.What happened when Ofori Amponsah met Daddy Lumba for the first time. GhanaWeb. 21 October 2024.
- 18.Daddy Lumba at Historic Chicago House of Blues!. ModernGhana. 10 October 2005.
- 19.Daddy Lumba's 'Nana Yɛ Winner' song greatly impacted our campaigns - NPP. GhanaWeb. 29 July 2025.
- 20.Benedict, Qwame. Daddy Lumba drops his campaign song for Nana Akuffo Addo (VIDEO). Ghpage. 11 November 2020.
- 21.Daddy Lumba in trouble. ModernGhana. 14 January 2009.
- 22.Lumba's homecoming show. myjoyonline.com. 17 September 2010.
- 23.Tawiah, Ohemeng. Patrons of Lumba Concert fiasco explore legal option. ModernGhana. 31 December 2010.
- 24.Dadzie, Kwame. Daddy Lumba look-alike changes name after lawsuit. Citi Newsroom. 4 April 2018.
- 25.Eight 'sing-alikes' of Daddy Lumba mistaken for the original. myjoyonline.com. 30 July 2025.
- 26.Daddy Lumba: A look at the life and achievements of a Highlife legend. GhanaWeb. 28 July 2025.
- 27.Adu-Owusu, Prince. Full list of recipients at 2024 National Honours Awards. myjoyonline.com. 30 December 2024.
- 28.Bonney, Abigail. Daddy Lumba's 'Mpempem Do Me' featured in King Charles' playlist – MyJoyOnline. myjoyonline.com. 10 March 2025.
- 29.Ghartey, Raphael. Daddy Lumba's 'Mpempem Do Me' features in King Charles III's playlist. 3News. 10 March 2025.
- 30.Daddy Lumba set to perform in the USA and Canada after two decades. ghanamusic.com. 28 March 2025.
- 31.Ghartey, Raphael. Daddy Lumba's USA and Canada tour cancelled – Management. 3News. 27 July 2025.
- 32.Daddy Lumba was recording his last album before he died – Kaywa. GhanaWeb. 29 July 2025.
- 33.Spotlight on Daddy Lumba's 'Homeless'; The song he sang in German language. GhanaWeb. 28 July 2025.
- 34.Daddy Lumba details how he met his first love who sadly died. GhanaWeb. 27 March 2023.
- 35.Akrong, Isaac. Hip life music: re-defining Ghanaian culture (1990-2012). York University. 107, 108. 23 June 2016.
- 36.Read Daddy Lumba’s last message to his late mother in December 2024. GhanaWeb. 30 July 2025.
- 37.High court rules both women were lawfully married to late music icon Daddy Lumba [Full Judgment] - MyJoyOnline. www.myjoyonline.com. 2025-12-02.
- 38.Daddy Lumba net worth: How rich was late Ghanaian musician? Here's all about his family and kids. Hindustan Times. 26 July 2025.
- 39.Agambila, Dorcas. Music legend Daddy Lumba establishes his own radio station, DLFM. pulse.com.gh. 8 September 2022.
- 40.DJ Citrus. Daddy Lumba opens his own radio station DLFM in Accra (Photos). Shineme GH. 8 September 2022.
- 41.Ghanaian icon Daddy Lumba Passes Away at 60. ghanamusic.com. 26 July 2025.
- 42.Daddy Lumba cause of death: Ghanian music icon, passes away - here's what happened to him. The Economic Times. 26 July 2025.
- 43.Highlife Legend Daddy Lumba dies at 60. ModernGhana. 26 July 2025.
- 44.Tetteh, Emmanuel. Daddy Lumba: 'We were working on a joint album' - King Promise reveals. myjoyonline.com. 26 July 2025.
- 45.Nyagamago, Maxwell. Family announces date for late Daddy Lumba’s final funeral rites Pulse Ghana. www.pulse.com.gh. 8 October 2025.
- 46.Daddy Lumba’s funeral to be held in Kumasi - Family. MyJoyOnline. 5 August 2025.
- 47.Agamblia, Dorcas. Court blocks Daddy Lumba’s December 13 funeral over family dispute. Pulse Ghana. 12 December 2025.
- 48.Ashitey, Vincent. High Court orders stakeholder meeting in Daddy Lumba funeral dispute. Prime News Ghana. 12 December 2025.
- 49.Agamblia, Dorcas. Court allows Daddy Lumba funeral to proceed after applicants miss GH₵2m deadline. Pulse Ghana. 12 December 2025.
- 50.Sopher, Ittai. Daddy Lumba, Ghanaian music superstar, dead at 60. wusa9.com. 2025-07-26.
- 51.1st - 10th edition winners. Ghana Music Awards.
- 52.11th - 20th edition winners. Ghana Music Awards.
- 53.Daddy Lumba's 'Aben Wo Ha': How the 'controversial' song became a classic. GhanaWeb. 30 July 2025.
- 54.Ghana Music Awards 2008 nominations out. GhanaWeb. 13 February 2008.
- 55.Three artistes lead 2011 Ghana Music Awards nominations. ModernGhana. 28 February 2011.
- 56.Sarkodie & Okyeame Kwame Top Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2012 Nominees List!. News Ghana. 29 February 2012.
- 57.Atakora Mensah, Nii. Ghana Music Awards UK 2017: Nominations Announced. ModernGhana. 11 July 2017.
- 58.Ghana Music Awards UK 2023: All the nominees. Music in Africa. 7 August 2023.
- 59.The Timeless Legacy of Daddy Lumba: Ghana's Highlife Icon Dies At 60. Music Earshot. 2 August 2025.
References
Citations
References
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authority file
Gemeinsame Normdatei 1033925993, Daddy Lumba.Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
Partially resolvedreference work
Partially resolvedauthority record
Unverified
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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