Germany’s Embassy in Accra has paid tribute to iconic Ghanaian musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba, following his passing on July 26, 2025.
In an official statement, the embassy highlighted Germany’s formative role in his career, noting his transition from gospel to highlife during his residency in Cologne.
The artist recorded in Düsseldorf and Monheim am Rhein with German producers, co-founding the Lumba Brothers with Nana Acheampong in 1989 a collaboration that pioneered the “Borga Highlife” genre blending Ghanaian rhythms with Western influences.
According to the embassy’s social media post, Daddy Lumba’s song “Homeless” featured German phrases reflecting his lived experience between cultures.
“We honor his artistic excellence and enduring cultural connections,” the statement read. The musician’s sudden death at Accra’s Bank Hospital after a brief illness prompted global mourning, with Ghana’s Parliament among institutions celebrating his role in promoting national culture.
Daddy Lumba’s influence extended beyond music, symbolizing diaspora-driven cultural exchange. His work with German producers in the 1980s–90s opened pathways for transcontinental artistic collaboration, embedding European elements into Ghanaian highlife. The embassy’s recognition underscores music’s diplomatic power as tributes continue worldwide.