“The Beat May Stop, but His Music Will Never Die” – President Mahama Mourns Daddy Lumba

President John Dramani Mahama has paid glowing tribute to Ghanaian Highlife icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, whose unexpected death on July 26, 2025, has deeply saddened the nation and music lovers worldwide.

In a moving message posted on Facebook on July 27, Mahama expressed his grief and admiration for the late legend, emphasizing that Daddy Lumba’s “incomparable musical brilliance” would continue to inspire for generations.

“I received the heartbreaking news of the passing of Ghanaian music legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, fondly known as Daddy Lumba, with deep sorrow,” Mahama wrote. “Lumba’s extraordinary talent served as the soundtrack of our lives. Though the sound may have gone silent, his legacy will reverberate for eternity.”

The former president’s message encapsulated the nation’s collective sense of loss and reverence for an artist whose music reflected love, life, and society with unmatched authenticity.

On behalf of the Government of Ghana, Mahama extended sincere condolences to Lumba’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the irreplaceable void his departure leaves behind.

Daddy Lumba passed away at the age of 60 at the Bank Hospital in Accra, sparking a nationwide outpouring of grief. Political figures, fellow musicians, and fans flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, celebrating a career that helped define Ghanaian music.

His family, represented by lawyer Fati Ali Yallah, expressed their shock and asked the public for privacy as they process their grief.

With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years and more than 30 albums, Daddy Lumba became a household name and cultural icon. His seamless blend of Highlife with Afro-pop, gospel, and contemporary rhythms, alongside his unmistakable voice and soul-stirring lyrics, won him a massive following. Classics like “Aben Woha,” “Sika Asem”, “Theresa”, and “Yentie Obiaa” remain timeless anthems.

Lumba’s contribution to modernizing Highlife and preserving it as a cherished national treasure cements his status not just as a musician, but as a cultural architect. His consistent ability to produce hits over four decades speaks volumes about his creativity and deep resonance with Ghanaian identity.

As the nation mourns, Mahama’s words capture a universal truth — that while Daddy Lumba may no longer walk among us, his music will continue to speak to hearts across time.

Ghanaians now await funeral details from the family, as the country prepares to bid farewell to one of its most celebrated sons.