A steady stream of dignitaries, music legends, media personalities, and devoted fans have been making their way to the late Daddy Lumba’s residence in Accra following the news of his passing on Saturday.
Born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, the highlife icon reportedly died after a brief illness, leaving the Ghanaian music industry and the nation in deep mourning.
Widely revered for his timeless hits and profound influence on Ghanaian music, Daddy Lumba’s legacy spans over three decades, with a catalogue that helped shape the soundtrack of generations.
Among the earliest visitors to his home were fellow music veterans Amakye Dede, J. A. Adofo, Rex Omar, and Papa Shee, all of whom came to honour the memory of their late colleague and friend.
Prominent broadcaster, Kwami Sefa Kayi, media mogul Kwame Despite, and actress and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, also paid their respects in person.
Other notable figures who visited included media heavyweights Bola Ray, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), and Kofi Asare Brako, as well as Fred Nuamah, the CEO of the Ghana Movie Awards and several others from the entertainment industry. Many described Daddy Lumba as a cultural giant whose music touched lives and defined an era.
The mood at the residence was one of solemn remembrance. Mourners, many clad in black, recounted cherished moments and praised Lumba’s enduring influence on Ghana’s musical heritage. Several musicians arrived bearing wreaths and symbolic items to honour the legacy of the man many call the king of modern highlife.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country and the diaspora, plans for his funeral are yet to be officially announced.
Daddy Lumba leaves behind a remarkable legacy, an unshakable fan base, and a void that will be deeply felt within Ghana’s cultural and artistic landscape.
By Francis Addo