The family of Ghanaian Highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has confirmed that his final funeral rites will be conducted in Kumasi. However, at the one-week observance held at Independence Square in Accra, no burial date was formally announced.
Earlier this month, the family, led by the head of family (Abusuapanyin) Kofi Owusu, disclosed that the one-week observance would take place in Accra, while the final rites would be held in Kumasi. The decision followed the family’s formal notification to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, at Manhyia Palace. Mr. Owusu explained that, given the deceased’s royal status, the family could not announce funeral arrangements without first informing the Asantehene and receiving his counsel.
The official programme for the one-week observance commenced at approximately 10:15 a.m. with an opening prayer by Prophet Amoako Atta of Parliament Chapel. The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Former Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia; Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; and representatives of Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change. Also present were New Patriotic Party presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, as well as numerous celebrated musicians such as Amakye Dede, Sarkodie, Kofi Nti, Kojo Antwi, Diana Asamoah, Pat Thomas, Kwabena Kwabena, Oheneba Kissi, and others. Members of Parliament’s Minority Caucus, led by Hon. Afenyo-Markin, were also in attendance.
Media personality Serwaa Amihere, a long-time admirer of the late musician and brand ambassador for Flora Tissue, announced that customised Lumba-themed Flora tissues would be released onto the market in the coming week.
The observance was marked with live musical performances in Mr. Fosu’s memory. The Odikro Band performed several of his songs, setting a reflective and celebratory atmosphere befitting a man who enriched Ghana’s musical heritage for over four decades.
The one-week observance of the late Ghanaian Highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, also drew the participation of several fan-based associations, including the Fantasy Club of Daddy Lumba, the House of Daddy Lumba Fan Club, and the Great Fans of Daddy Lumba.
Mr. Fosu passed away at the Bank Hospital in Accra at dawn on Saturday, July 26, at the age of 60.
During the ceremony, notable financial contributions were made in support of the family and the observance. These included donations of GH₵100,000 by Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; GH₵50,000 by Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; GH₵30,000 by the Ghana Police Service; GH₵10,000 by Hon. Kennedy Agyapong; GH₵5,000 by Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; and GH₵5,000 by Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change, among others.
Biographical Note
Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known by his stage name Daddy Lumba, was born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, near Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He began his music career at the age of 16 and, by 1983, had risen to lead the Juaben Secondary School choir. Following his secondary education, he relocated to Germany, where he co-founded the celebrated Lumba Brothers musical group with Nana Acheampong, marking the genesis of what would become a legendary career in Ghanaian Highlife music.#newsafro_
