Daddy Lumba: From Nsuta to King Charles’ Playlist – The Highlife GOAT Who Rewrote the Soundtrack of Ghanaian Music

Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, famously known as Daddy Lumba, was born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, near Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

He was raised by his mother after the death of his father, Owoahene Kwadwo Fosuh, a teacher who passed away during Lumba’s childhood.

A Star is Born at Juaben SHS

Lumba’s musical journey began in his teens. Between 1983 and 1984, he led the Juaben Senior High School choir under the guidance of music teacher Christabel. By the time he completed school in 1985, he had already laid the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career.

It was during these formative years that he formed a group called the Lumba Brothers with friends Yaw, Kwabena, and his then-girlfriend Theresa Abebrese.

Breakthrough with “Yereye Aka Akwantuo Mu”

In 1989, Daddy Lumba burst onto the Ghanaian music scene with his debut album “Yereye Aka Akwantuo Mu”, in collaboration with Nana Acheampong, officially marking the Lumba Brothers’ professional debut.

The song, which captured the pain and hope of Ghanaian migration stories, struck a chord nationwide and propelled both artists into stardom.

A Versatile Musical Force

Daddy Lumba’s talent goes far beyond singing. He is a songwriter, composer, and producer, making him one of the few Ghanaian artists to maintain full creative control over his music.

His songs blend traditional storytelling with modern highlife rhythms, often delivered in Twi, giving voice to both personal and collective Ghanaian experiences.

Discography and Achievements

With a staggering 34 albums to his name, Daddy Lumba is hailed by many as the greatest Ghanaian musician of all time. His influence on generations of musicians remains unmatched.

Notable awards include:

• 2000 Ghana Music Awards: Artist of the Year, Best Album, Most Popular Song

• 2003 Ghana Music Awards: Contemporary Highlife Artist, Song, and Album

• 2018 EMY Africa Awards: Icon/Legend of Entertainment

Royal Recognition

In a historic nod to his legacy, King Charles III listed Daddy Lumba’s hit ‘Mpempem Do Me’ on his 2025 Commonwealth Day Playlist, ranking 7th out of 17 tracks on “The King’s Music Room” on Apple Music.

Recent Ventures: From Music to Media

In September 2022, Lumba expanded his influence by launching DLFM (106.9 MHz), a Twi-language radio station based in Accra, dedicated to entertainment and culture.

Private Life, Public Legacy

Despite being one of Ghana’s most famous faces, Daddy Lumba remains intensely private. He is married to Maame Serwaa and is a father, although details about his family are closely guarded.

A Cultural Icon

Over three decades into his career, Daddy Lumba was not just a musician—he was a symbol of Ghanaian identity and pride.

Whether through his timeless lyrics or genre-defining albums, his legacy continues to grow, cementing his place as Ghana’s undisputed Highlife GOAT.