A Tribute to the Legendary Daddy Lumba

The passing of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba, marks the close of an era in Ghanaian and African music. His death is not just the loss of an individual but the silencing of a voice that, for decades, defined the rhythm of our nation and carried the heartbeat of our people.

Ironically, it was not during his life but at the moment of his passing that my attention was first drawn to him. Until his death, I had not deeply encountered the music of Daddy Lumba. Yet, the conversations, the controversies, and the passionate tributes that trailed his departure compelled me to pause, reflect, and listen. As I studied his life and immersed myself in his songs, I was astounded by the depth of wisdom, philosophy, and truth they carried. His lyrics, far beyond entertainment, revealed a man who was not just a musician but a philosopher of the human condition, a chronicler of love, struggle, and the pursuit of meaning.

For more than three decades, Daddy Lumba reigned as one of Ghana’s most gifted musical exports. With over thirty albums, he pioneered a new wave of highlife, fusing tradition with innovation. His music spoke to the soul—celebrating love, exposing the intricacies of relationships, and highlighting the complexities of life with honesty and passion. His artistry was versatile: spiritual in one moment, humorous in another, and boldly romantic in yet another.

Much has been said about accusations of profanity in his work. Yet it is important to distinguish between profanity and the unapologetic expression of love songs. Daddy Lumba was not vulgar; he was honest. He gave voice to emotions many dared not name, exploring romance and desire with boldness and artistry. To dismiss such expressions as profane is to deny the very human experience of love and affection, which he elevated into poetry and melody. His music reminds us that love itself is sacred, and to sing of it is not profanity but truth.

One of his most remarkable traits, often highlighted by those close to him, was his deep sense of appreciativeness. He never forgot those who helped him along his journey and openly acknowledged the roles people played in his success. Gratitude was not just an attitude for Daddy Lumba—it was part of his character, and it endeared him to many.

His music also stood out for its rich command of the Twi language. He had a unique mastery of vocabulary, weaving complex expressions and idiomatic depth into his songs. Many found his lyrics difficult to fully comprehend, yet therein lay their beauty. They demanded reflection, interpretation, and engagement, making his music timeless works of art rather than fleeting tunes.

In his journey, Daddy Lumba was blessed with remarkable women who shaped his life and artistry:

• Akosua Serwaa, whose loyalty, devotion, and nurturing spirit gave him peace in turbulent times and stability in moments of uncertainty. Her quiet strength was a foundation upon which much of his creativity flourished.
• Odobroni, a woman of elegance and inspiration, who not only encouraged his creative freedom but also inspired some of his most memorable songs. More importantly, during his period of ailment, she stood firmly by his side—not merely as a companion, but as a caregiver, serving with the devotion of a nurse. In his weakest moments, her support was his strength, her care was his comfort, and her love was his healing balm.

As a man, Daddy Lumba was known to have a heart of gold—kind, generous, and deeply compassionate. Yet, he was also remarkably private, often described as secretive. He chose to reveal himself not through public exposure but through his songs, which became the window to his soul. In this balance between privacy and generosity lay his mystique: a man who gave so much to the world but held tightly to the sanctity of his personal life.

Like all great men, Daddy Lumba was not without critics—many of them, ironically, from within his own family. Yet history is not written by detractors but by the undeniable impact of a life well-lived. His legacy overshadows their voices. True greatness often attracts envy, misunderstanding, and opposition, but it is his music, not his controversies, that will endure through generations.

Daddy Lumba was more than a singer. He was a mentor to younger artists, a cultural ambassador who placed Ghanaian highlife on the global stage, and a visionary who redefined what it meant to be an African musician in a modern world. His songs will continue to play at weddings, funerals, celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection, because they capture life in its raw, beautiful, and painful realities.

As we lay him to rest, we do so not in despair but with gratitude. Gratitude for the gift of his music. Gratitude for the honesty of his voice. Gratitude for the courage of a man who dared to sing what others feared to say.

Daddy Lumba, your voice has been stilled, but your music will never die. You have entered eternity, but your legacy remains with us, etched into the fabric of Ghanaian and African identity.

Rest in eternal glory, Legend. Your music lives on, forever.

Written by: B.Y. Muhammad writes from Tamale. babayunus@icloud.com