Songs, Tears and Tribute: Thousands Flood Heroes Park to Bid Daddy Lumba Farewell
Massive public turnout at Baba Yara Stadium follows court ruling clearing the way for Daddy Lumba’s burial
- Thousands of fans and mourners gathered at Baba Yara Stadium to pay tribute to Daddy Lumba
- Burial proceeded after a last-minute Accra High Court ruling ended family disputes over funeral arrangements
- Heavy security ensured order as mourners celebrated the highlife legend’s life and legacy
Thousands of mourners thronged Heroes Park at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday to pay their final respects to Ghana’s highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba.
The vast grounds came alive with a powerful mix of solemn reflection and celebratory remembrance as fans held up portraits of the late musician, softly sang along to his timeless classics and wiped away tears while the funeral procession made its way through the crowd.
A heavy security presence, made up of uniformed police officers and private security personnel, was deployed around the venue to control the massive turnout and maintain calm. Family members welcomed the arrangement, saying it allowed mourners to grieve peacefully without disruption.
A hush fell over the stadium when Faustina Fosu, the late musician’s sister, addressed the gathering.
“We are grateful to every one of you who has come from near and far to honour our brother,” she said emotionally. “Your presence means the world to us. If you can, please continue to support the family in any way possible—through prayers, kind words or contributions—as we lay him to rest.”
The overwhelming public turnout marked the emotional conclusion of a months-long saga characterised by intense family disagreements and dramatic legal battles that repeatedly threatened to derail the funeral.
The burial only went ahead following a last-minute ruling by the Accra High Court on Friday, December 12, which cleared the way for the scheduled ceremony.
Maternal relatives of the late musician had earlier sought a court injunction, alleging they were sidelined in the funeral planning process led by the family head, Kofi Owusu. The court’s decision ultimately brought legal uncertainty to an end—allowing Ghana to finally say goodbye to one of its most celebrated musical legends.
