Daddy Lumba’s Death Sparks Historic Streaming Surge in Ghana (Spotify)

The passing of Ghanaian highlife icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba, on July 26, 2025, at age 60, triggered profound national grief and an unprecedented surge in music streaming. On the day of his death at the Bank Hospital in Accra, his reflective ballad Makra Mo, a meditation on mortality, saw a 2,513% spike in Spotify streams compared to the previous day, dominating Ghana’s charts. Other introspective tracks followed suit: Adaka Teaa (with Ateaa Tina), questioning materialism, surged by 1,412%, and Ankwanoma, a portrayal of loneliness, rose by 1,017%, reflecting fans’ emotional response.

By the second day, streams shifted to celebrate Lumba’s broader artistry. Romantic classics like Ma To Odo Mu, capturing the intensity of love, jumped 907% to top charts, while Medo Wasem Bebree climbed 853%. Hits such as Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom (with Nana Acheampong) and Aben Wo Ha, known for its sensual delivery, also reclaimed top spots. Since his passing, at least 20 of Lumba’s songs have consistently ranked among Ghana’s most-streamed tracks daily on Spotify.

Spotify’s This Is Daddy Lumba playlist, featuring hits from love songs to soulful ballads, has become a go-to for fans mourning and celebrating his legacy. With a career spanning over 30 years, 33 albums, and roughly 200 songs, Lumba blended Twi-language highlife with modern sounds, shaping Ghana’s cultural identity. His death prompted a national candlelight vigil on August 2, 2025, at Independence Square, with global tributes in the UK, US, Germany, and the Netherlands. A one-week memorial is planned for August 30, 2025, in Accra, with final funeral rites in Kumasi, honoring his Ashanti roots.

Lumba’s music, from Theresa to Awoso, continues to resonate, cementing his enduring influence across generations.

Source: African Publicity