Veteran Highlife artiste, Naa Agyeman, has called on the government of Ghana to honour the legacy of the late Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, by establishing a national music museum that would serve both as a tribute and as a cultural institution.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz, the ‘Kwahu Bepo’ composer voiced frustration over Ghana’s longstanding failure to adequately honour its musical trailblazers. He believes Daddy Lumba’s recent death offers a critical opportunity to correct that historical neglect.
“There’s no better time than now to act,” he said. “Daddy Lumba is not just another artiste—he is a cultural icon, a national treasure whose music has been the soundtrack to millions of Ghanaian lives for over three decades.”
Naa Agyeman emphasized that tributes alone are not enough and urged the government to institutionalise Lumba’s legacy in a permanent way.
“We celebrate him in words and tributes, but we must do more. We must preserve his memory in a way that is concrete and enduring. A national music museum dedicated in part to his legacy would be a monumental step forward,” he stated.
While advocating for a space dedicated to Lumba, the Highlife veteran also proposed that the envisioned museum serve as a comprehensive archive of Ghanaian music. He cited global examples where music legends have been honoured with museums that also double as cultural landmarks.
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“If you travel to other parts of the world, you’ll see museums dedicated to Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, The Beatles and more. These are places that preserve not just music but history. Ghana needs that. And there is no better face to begin this mission than Daddy Lumba,” he noted.
Naa Agyeman sees such a museum as more than a tribute, it would be a national resource that combines education, culture, and tourism. He imagined it filled with artifacts such as handwritten lyrics, historic performance footage, and vintage instruments.
“Imagine students walking through halls filled with rare recordings, handwritten lyrics, vintage costumes and video footage of historic performances. Imagine experiencing the evolution of Highlife through immersive storytelling. That’s not just entertainment—it’s education, culture and national pride combined.”
Lamenting the absence of a national space to celebrate musical greats, he added, “It’s heartbreaking that a country with such a deep musical heritage lacks a physical space where the youth can learn about our icons. Every time we lose a legend, a piece of our history disappears. The government must act now. Let Daddy Lumba’s legacy be the catalyst for this change.”
Apart from policy advocacy, Naa Agyeman spoke from a personal place, reflecting on a moment he shared with the late legend.
“I was privileged to share a stage with him on his 60th birthday celebration. It was an unforgettable experience, and I was looking forward to reciprocating the gesture for my own 25th anniversary in the music industry. Although circumstances didn’t allow it, I’m grateful for the legacy he’s left behind.”
Naa Agyeman further urged Ghanaians to go beyond mourning and take action.
“Daddy Lumba was more than a legend—he was an inspiration. His music will continue to inspire and influence future generations of musicians and fans alike. So let’s not just mourn Daddy Lumba—let’s immortalise him. Let’s build a legacy that lasts.”
