Entertainment
Daddy Lumba; a cross generational brand bows out
Ghana was hit by the unfortunate news of the demise of one of the country’s decorated music icons, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately called Daddy Lumba, last Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Born on September 29, 1964, Daddy Lumba passed on to eternity at age 60.
His musical journey started at a young age, and after moving to Germany in 1983, Daddy Lumba teamed up with his friend, Ernest Nana Acheampong, alias Nana Acheampong.
Their collaboration produced the first Lumba Brothers album, ‘Yɛɛyɛ Aka Akwantuo Mu’ in 1989 — a major success that officially launched his career.
He went on to release about 33 albums to become an iconic Ghanaian musician.
One thing which makes him stand out amongst other music heavyweights is how his music resonates with diverse generations.
Studies have shown that a brand can cut across generations by balancing a strong, consistent core with adaptable messaging and engaging content that resonates with different age groups.
There is no denying the fact that Daddy Lumba has over the years ticked all the boxes to be a cross-generational brand, and even cut through all of Ghana’s diverse ethnic front.
Some of the contributory factors which has made this possible are;
Strong brand identity
Over the years, Daddy Lumba has exhibited a clear and consistent brand identity with his target audience, a trait that has helped him build trust and loyalty across different generations.
By Edem Mensah -Tsotorme
The Kumasi metropolis was thrown into a state of frenzy last Saturday as thousands of fans flocked the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for Sarkodie’s Rapperholic Concert that climaxed the 2025 Momo Fest.
Despite a heavy rainfall, the event, powered by MTN, drew unprecedented crowds for the month-long initiative to promote financial inclusion, the use of mobile money, and raise awareness on MoMo fraud prevention.
The musical event was preceded by educational roadshows, cashless market fairs, and community engagement activities across the country.
Vendors at the MoMo Cashless Market and Fair, set up within the stadium premises, offered goods and services payable exclusively through mobile money, giving patrons a live demonstration of MoMo’s utility.
The concert, headlined by multiple award-winning rapper Sarkodie, featured performances from several high-profile Ghanaian artistes including Medikal, Kofi Kinaata, Donzy, Kweku Smoke, and Efya.
But the appearance of Shatta Wale, who joined Sarkodie on stage, took the excitement a notch higher as it marked a rare public collaboration between the two top acts.
The event would go into the history books as one of the largest music gatherings in Kumasi and a fitting conclusion to a festival that sought to blend innovation with entertainment.
Funeral rites for the late Ghanaian music icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba, will be held on December 6 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Later in the evening of December 6, there will be a DL cocktail party at the Rattray Park, which will feature top musicians in the country.
Announcing the funeral arrangements on behalf of the family, former Manhyia North Member of Parliament, Collins Owusu Amankwa, said the decision was reached after consultations with Manhyia, government, and other key stakeholders.
The family cautioned the public to desist from disrespecting the legend on social media by spreading falsehood about his marital status.
Daddy Lumba, 60, passed away on July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra after a short illness.
Following his death, a book of condolence was opened at his East Legon residence for loved ones, friends, colleagues, and fans to pay tribute to his iconic memory.
Subsequently, the government, in collaboration with the Creative Arts Agency, organised a candlelight vigil in his memory at Independence Square in Accra on August 2.
This was later followed by a One Week Observation at the same venue on August 30, which was attended by people from all walks of life.
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta in the Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba started his music career at a young age. He later joined the Lumba Brothers alongside Nana Acheampong in Germany before launching a solo career.
With about 32 albums and over 200 songs to his credit, Daddy Lumba thrilled the world with classic hits such as “Aben Wo Ha,” “Yentie Obiaa,” “Playboy,” “Theresa,” “Sika Asem,” “Mensei Da,” “Makra Mo,” and many others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
