Ghana woke up on July 26, 2025, to learn that legendary Highlife singer, Daddy Lumba, had passed away at the Bank Hospital after a short illness.
Since then, tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the world.
From Accra to Toronto, and from stage lights to candle lights, musicians have been using their platforms to honour the life and legacy of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known to many as Daddy Lumba.
Lumba was not just a singer; he was a movement, a voice that shaped Highlife music for decades.
His influence went beyond his genre, touching generations of artistes. So, it’s no surprise that many artistes paused their shows just to celebrate the man whose music paved the way for them.
Daddy Lumba already wrote his own tribute; we don’t need new songs – KOD
Kwesi Arthur
Just two days after Daddy Lumba’s passing, rapper Kwesi Arthur was on stage at an event in Ghana performing Nirvana, his song which features Kofi Mole.
In the thick of his performance, a fan tossed money at him, an act usually seen as a sign of appreciation.
Kwesi Arthur collected the cash and made a request to the crowd, he called for a moment of silence, telling the crowd, “Ghana has lost a legend.”
The crowd obeyed. The music stopped. And in that brief silence, the impact of Daddy Lumba’s absence could be felt.
KiDi
At Summer Stage in Crotona Park, New York, Ghanaian singer KiDi paused his set halfway through to reflect on the death of the Highlife legend.
“You cannot speak about the life of Daddy Lumba without celebrating the music he has given us,” he told the audience.
He then asked for a minute of silence before turning the rest of his performance into a tribute.
KiDi performed some of Lumba’s classic songs, including Aben Wo Ha and Wo Ho Kyere.
Ghanaian celebrities who have reacted to Daddy Lumba‘s death
Stonebwoy
In Germany, where Daddy Lumba began his music career, Afro-dancehall artiste Stonebwoy honoured the late singer during his performance at the African Music Festival.
With thousands of fans gathered, Stonebwoy stopped mid-performance and asked the crowd to hold up their phone flashlights.
His hypeman, OgeeTheMC, led the moment of silence as the event ground lit up in glowing tribute.
Stonebwoy also spoke emotionally about how Lumba had carved a path for Ghanaian musicians and how much his music meant to the culture
He then performed Aben Wo Ha, sending the crowd into an emotional sing-along.
Davido
The loss of Daddy Lumba was not just felt in Ghana. One of Africa and Nigeria’s big names, Davido, also paid his respect during his 5Five Alive tour stop in Toronto, Canada.
In the middle of his set, Davido dedicated a portion of his performance to Daddy Lumba.
The Assurance singer made the DJ on the turntables play one of Lumba’s classics
Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with the ‘queen’ of décor, making strides since Rawlings’ era
AK/EB
