The Ghanaian music world bids a solemn farewell to one of its most beloved highlife icons, Charles Kojo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba. After his passing on 26 July 2025 at the age of 61, the nation has prepared a dignified ceremony to honor his monumental contributions to highlife and Ghanaian culture. Scheduled for Saturday, 6 December 2025, the event will take place at Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi, the city where his career first blossomed. The choice of Kumasi underscores his deep roots in the Ashanti region and reflects the respect his hometown holds for his legacy.
The funeral rites follow a week‑long remembrance held on 30 August 2025 at Black Star Square in Accra, which drew thousands of fans, fellow musicians, and government officials. In the weeks that followed, tributes poured in from across the diaspora, highlighting how his songs such as ‘’Abena Fosu’’ ‘’Yɛwo Mɛma’’, and “Mma Mmoa Sɛ” still resonate in homes, bars, and festivals. The upcoming ceremony is expected to blend solemn tradition with celebration of his life, featuring traditional Akan dirges, highlife performances, and heartfelt speeches from the Musicians Union of Ghana, the National Commission on Culture, and veteran artists who shared the stage with him.
Family members, including his wife, children, and siblings, will lead the proceedings, inviting the public to wear black and white attire as a sign of respect. The venue, Baba Yara Stadium, has been arranged to accommodate both VIP guests and ordinary fans, ensuring that everyone who wishes to pay homage can do so. Security, health, and transportation plans have been coordinated by the Ghana Police Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to guarantee a smooth and safe gathering.
Daddy Lumba’s departure marks the end of an era for highlife, a genre that shaped Ghana’s post‑independence cultural identity. His music continues to play on radio waves, at weddings, and during communal gatherings, reminding listeners of his timeless artistry. The 6 December ceremony will not only be a moment of grief but also a celebration of a life lived fully through melody and rhythm. Fans and followers are encouraged to join, share memories, and keep his legacy alive for generations to come.
Sources:
Ghana Web (2025), My Joy Online (2025), DL FM (2025), Star live (2025)