Despite his success and numerous achievements throughout his musical journey, the late Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, appears to have passed away without fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a Pan-African advocate.
According to ET Akonor, a former manager and longtime friend of the highlife legend, the “Bubra” hitmaker’s ultimate ambition was to champion African unity and peace.
Speaking to GhanaWeb on the sidelines of Lumba’s one-week celebration on August 30, 2025, Akonor revealed that Lumba did not fully trust Western institutions, reflecting his Pan-African ideals.
‘He was a man of warmth and wisdom’ – Kwabena Kwabena eulogises Daddy Lumba
“I know he had a problem with his spine some time ago, but the surgery was done here in Ghana because he didn’t trust the Germans. People would ask why he didn’t go to Germany for it, but the truth is, he didn’t trust the white man. That was part of his dream, to be a true Pan-Africanist. Sadly, it was never fulfilled,” he stated.
ET, who spoke fondly of Lumba, painted a portrait of him as an intelligent, wise, and meticulous artist who valued peace and solitude.
He also shared a special memory of Lumba performing a song that had never been presented to the public before, during ET’s 50th birthday.
“On my 50th, he came to perform for me at my house. He performed one song that he had never performed live before. The very first time he performed that song live was in my house. That song is ‘Mpimpim’,” he added.
Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025. He is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential and celebrated musicians, with a career spanning over three decades.
Watch the interview below:
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