The long-awaited burial service for Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba’s funeral has officially been arranged for December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The announcement was made in a statement by his media outlet, DL FM, announcing that all arrangements had been finalized for a dignified farewell to one of Ghana’s most prominent singers.
According to the station, preparations are underway to ensure the event respects the life, legacy, and tremendous contribution of the late musician to Ghana’s music business. The statement further highlighted that the Fosu family, in partnership with the Creative Arts Agency and major figures in the entertainment sector, are working hand in hand to make the funeral a national event of remembering and celebration.
A Nation Mourns a Music Legend
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025, in the Bank Hospital in Accra after a short illness. He was 60 years old. His abrupt demise sent shockwaves across Ghana and beyond, with thousands of fans, musicians, and dignitaries expressing heartfelt sorrow and appreciation for a man who molded modern highlife music.
In the weeks following his death, condolences flooded in from throughout the world. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President John Dramani Mahama, and other political and entertainment icons turned to social media and other venues to recognize his legacy. Many recognized him as “a true musical genius,” “a national treasure,” and “a symbol of Ghanaian cultural identity.”
National Candlelight Vigil and Memorials
Shortly after his departure, the Creative Arts Agency and the Fosu family staged a nationwide candlelight vigil at Independence Square in Accra. The celebration brought together thousands of followers dressed in black and white, carrying candles and singing some of Lumba’s greatest hits such as Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, and Yentie Obiaa. The vigil was a moment of unity, meditation, and heartfelt respect to an artist who connected generations through song.
Following the vigil, a one-week memorial service was conducted on August 30, 2025, also at Independence Square. The occasion witnessed performances from notable singers including Kojo Antwi, Ofori Amponsah, Amakye Dede, and Obour, all of whom acknowledged Daddy Lumba’s mentorship and influence on their musical journeys. The service was attended by government officials, members of the clergy, and leading players from Ghana’s entertainment industry.
Plans for the Final Funeral Rites
According to sources close to the family, the funeral will be one of the largest in Ghana’s recent history. The Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, which has a capacity of over 40,000, has been chosen to accommodate the enormous number of fans and sympathizers expected to attend. Traditional chiefs from Kumasi, members from the Creative Arts Agency, and various highlife musicians will play major parts in the ritual.
Reports say that the event will begin with a musical tribute concert including performances from some of the biggest stars in Ghanaian music. This will be followed by a state-assisted burial service, acknowledging Daddy Lumba’s great contribution to national culture and the arts.
A Lasting Musical Legacy
Daddy Lumba’s impact on Ghanaian music cannot be emphasized. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he published over 30 albums, several of which become timeless classics. His ability to merge traditional highlife rhythms with modern themes of love, heartbreak, and social commentary made him one of the most versatile artists in Africa.
He was noted not only for his deep voice and innovative songwriting but also for his dynamic stage presence. Songs like Aben Wo Ha, Odo Nti, Sika Asem, and Yentie Obiaa continue to dominate airwaves across Ghana and the diaspora. Lumba also coached other artists, including Ofori Amponsah and Felix Owusu, helping to develop the next generation of highlife musicians.
Fans and the Future of His Legacy
As Ghana prepares to bid farewell to one of its greatest idols, followers have taken to social media to express their fondest memories and favorite songs. Hashtags such as #RestWellDaddyLumba, #DLForever, and #HighlifeLegend have been trending on X (previously Twitter) and Facebook since the funeral announcement.
Music historians and industry observers believe that the December 6 funeral will be more than a farewell – it will be a celebration of Ghanaian culture, tenacity, and artistry. Plans are also in preparation to establish a Daddy Lumba Foundation, aimed at encouraging emerging musicians and conserving his immense repertoire of music for future generations.
As the nation anticipates this important event, one thing is certain: Daddy Lumba’s music and memories will forever remain in the hearts of Ghanaians. His effect beyond music; it is a reflection of love, identity, and the enduring power of art to unite people.
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