Daddy Lumba’s Family Announces One-Week Memorial in Accra, Funeral in Kumasi

Ghana continues to mourn the loss of highlife legend Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, who passed away on July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra at age 60 after a brief illness. The Fosu family announced via DL FM, the late musician’s radio station, that a one-week memorial service will be held on August 30, 2025, in Accra, with the venue still under consideration due to the expected large crowd.

The final funeral rites will take place in Kumasi, reflecting Lumba’s Ashanti heritage from Nsuta, with the date and venue to be confirmed. The family paid a customary visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to inform him of the passing and plans to visit the Ga Mantse, given the Accra event.

Public discourse has seen calls for a state burial to honor Lumba’s contributions to Ghana’s music industry, while others advocate for Kumasi as the fitting location due to his roots. A national candlelight vigil, organized by the Creative Arts Agency and the Fosu family, took place on August 2, 2025, at Independence Square in Accra, with parallel events in Germany, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, and other parts of Ghana.

With a career spanning nearly 40 years and over 33 albums, Daddy Lumba’s hits like Theresa, Aben Wo Ha, Ohia Asem, Playboy, Biribi Gyegye Wo, Seese Wo Se, Woho Kyere, and Awoso cemented his status as a highlife icon. His accolades include multiple Ghana Music Awards, the 2018 EMY Africa Legend of Entertainment Award, and a Presidential Grand Medal in 2025. The upcoming memorial is expected to draw fans, musicians, and dignitaries to celebrate his enduring legacy.

Source: African Publicity