Kojo Ashakan is a veteran Highlife musician
In the wake of the passing of Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, a debate has emerged within Ghana’s music community over whether he should be crowned the nation’s greatest musician ever.
Some entertainment commentators have even placed the late icon above global pop superstar Michael Jackson.
However, legendary Highlife musician Kojo Ashakan, popularly known as Starman, has offered a different perspective.
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During an exclusive interview on Hot 93.9FM’s Ay3 Hu show with host Chairman KK, Ashakan respectfully challenged the notion that Daddy Lumba is the greatest Ghanaian musician of all time.
“Daddy Lumba was a great musician, and his death is a big blow to the Ghanaian music industry, but he is not the greatest Ghanaian musician of all time. In music, there is always someone who becomes the greatest of that generation, so the fact is, he is the greatest of his generation,” he said.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kojo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, after a brief illness.
His death has prompted widespread mourning and reflection on his immense contribution to Highlife and Ghanaian culture.
Ashakan, himself a celebrated artist known for hits like ‘Cedi Na Egye’ and his recent single ‘Weather’, acknowledged Lumba’s monumental impact while advocating for a generational view of musical greatness rather than an absolute one.
His comments have added a thoughtful voice to the ongoing conversation, reminding fans and critics alike to appreciate artistic legacies within their historical context.
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