The Ghanaian music industry is in mourning following the passing of highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba. Among the many voices sharing tributes and emotional memories is rising gospel music star, Natasha Wupija Sambili, who has expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire nation.
In her moving tribute, Wupija Sambili said:
“I know my words, however kind, may seem so feeble and can’t ease your pain in moments like this, but I hope you find comfort knowing that Ghanaians, especially the music industry, are with you during this difficult time.”
Her message resonated widely, capturing the grief felt by fans across generations who grew up on the timeless voice and lyrics of Daddy Lumba.
Known for her powerful and soul-lifting gospel songs, Wupija described Daddy Lumba as more than just a highlife icon—calling him a national treasure who shaped Ghanaian music and inspired artists across genres. “Though we may mourn the loss of a loved one,” she added, “let us also celebrate the beauty of their life and the countless memories they have left behind.”
Wupija also praised Lumba’s incredible work ethic and artistic range. “Lumba’s work is remarkable—he has about 33 albums, and that should tell you he’s hard-working. He is also a very good writer. Songs like ‘Me Kwan Daa Nyinaa, Mesom Jesus’ and ‘Eyɛ Nadom Arakwa’ are some of the ones I personally fancy. He’s one artist who is truly versatile—you’d find every genre in his songs.”
She added that his commitment to excellence is evident in every detail of his craft. “His songs sound like they have been carefully orchestrated—he pays attention to detail, and you can tell he doesn’t take his audience for granted. As Pastor Andrew Asiedu Tetteh, the General Overseer of Mission Light Chapel International, always says: ‘On the ladder to success, there’s no substitute for hard work.’ That’s what Lumba stood for. So let’s learn from him and put in hard work in everything we do.”
For over three decades, Daddy Lumba lit up the music scene with classic hits such as Aben Wo Ha, Yentie Obiaa, Playboy, and Sika Asem. His unique style—fusing storytelling with catchy melodies and deep emotional resonance—earned him a place in the hearts of millions of Ghanaians at home and abroad.
Wupija Sambili’s tribute reflects the deep respect many younger musicians have for Daddy Lumba. She emphasized that his music brought comfort, healing, and joy, and that his legacy would continue to influence gospel and secular artists alike. “Gone from our presence but not our hearts. Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed,” she concluded.
Tributes have poured in across social media and mainstream platforms, with fans, celebrities, and cultural institutions describing his death as a monumental loss to Ghana’s creative arts. As preparations begin for memorial events, the nation continues to honour the life of a man whose voice defined an era.
As a musician, in as much as you do your best to please your fans, make sure your work also pleases God, because when you die, your works follow you—not your fans. “And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it… and the dead were judged according to their works.” (Revelations 20:11–13).
This is a moment to reflect. The dead have no opportunity to repent. The time to change your ways is now.
BRIEF ABOUT DADDY LUMBA
Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known professionally as Daddy Lumba, was born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He developed a passion for music at an early age and pursued it actively during his school years at Juaben Senior High School. He later moved to Germany, where his music career officially began. There, he formed the duo Lumba Brothers with Nana Acheampong, laying the foundation for a lifelong musical journey.
In 1989, he released his debut album, Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu, which catapulted him into the spotlight. Over the next three decades, Daddy Lumba would release more than 30 albums, many of them topping charts and earning multiple awards. His ability to blend traditional highlife rhythms with gospel and modern styles made him a household name and an enduring voice in Ghanaian music.
Daddy Lumba passed away on 26TH JULY 2025, after years of both musical brilliance and personal resilience. Despite battling health issues in his later life, he remained connected to his audience through performances and recordings. His contribution to Ghanaian culture is unmatched, and his songs will continue to echo through time, preserving the legacy of a true legend.
