Ghana Mourns Daddy Lumba: Candlelight Vigil Set For August 2

The Creative Arts Agency has announced a candlelight vigil in honour of Ghana’s legendary highlife musician, Charles Kojo Fosu, famously known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away after a short illness on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

The emotional event is scheduled for August 2, 2025, at the Independence Square in Accra, from 6pm to 10pm.

According to a letter signed by Gideon Aryeequaye, Acting Executive Secretary of the Agency, the vigil is part of a global tribute happening simultaneously in Ghana, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands.

“Your presence will not only honor the legacy of an icon but also unite us in celebrating the power of music, culture, and community. Kindly RSVP by 31 July, 2025 to confirm your participation,” the letter noted.

News of Daddy Lumba’s death has left millions of fans heartbroken. A press release issued by his lawyers confirmed that the iconic musician died in the early hours of July 26.

“With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness,” the statement said.

“Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience,” it added.

The family has requested privacy as they grieve.

“During this time of immense loss, we respectfully request privacy for the family and loved ones as they navigate this profound grief. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days,” wrote Fati All Yallah, Esq., Counsel for the Fosu Family.

TM Entertainmentz, the management of the late singer, also released a statement cancelling the Daddy Lumba USA & Canada Tour, which was meant to mark his return to international stages after 25 years.

“It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that officially TM Entertainmentz announces the cancellation of the highly anticipated Daddy Lumba USA & Canada Tour,” the statement read.

“Earlier today, we received the devastating news of the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, known to the world as Daddy Lumba. His departure has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of millions across the globe,” it continued.

The management team added: “This tour was more than a series of concerts, it was a celebration of a lifetime of timeless music, of unforgettable memories, and of a voice that became the soundtrack to so many of our lives. While we had looked forward to honoring his incredible legacy on stage, we now shift to honoring him in spirit.”

Tributes have poured in from across Ghana and beyond. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his sorrow in a Facebook post, describing Lumba as “my dear friend” and a “pantheon among musical greats of all time.”

“His hit-making songs will remain lasting contributions to my presidential journey and will forever be etched in the annals of political campaign of the New Patriotic Party. He will be sorely missed,” he wrote.

Popular broadcaster Serwaa Amihere also reacted emotionally to the news, shedding tears during a live broadcast. She described Daddy Lumba as a father figure and said his music had shaped her deeply.

“It is not easy at all thinking about it and even accepting it. I am in denial. Unfortunately and sadly, it has happened.

I have consistently said that I have not felt any connection to any musician or singer like the one I feel for him. He moved from being someone whose music I loved to becoming like a father to me,” she poured out.

She called for public sensitivity and urged fans to respect the family’s privacy.

Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta Amangoase in the Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba’s career spanned from the 1980s through the 2020s. He is known for timeless hits such as Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Playboy, and Ohia Asem.

His contributions to music earned him multiple Ghana Music Awards, a Presidential Grand Medal in 2025, and a legendary status as arguably Ghana’s greatest highlife artist of all time.