A Cultural Icon Departs - Reggie Rockstone, Sarkodie, & Others Pay Tribute

The entire country is mourning following the demise of highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba, whose timeless melodies and lyrical brilliance shaped generations and defined the soul of the nation's music.

From political leaders to fellow musicians and fans across the world, tributes have poured in, celebrating a man whose influence extended far beyond the music scene. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of admiration, gratitude, and sorrow, underscoring Lumba’s status as a national treasure.

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia described Daddy Lumba as “a true music icon” whose career, spanning over three decades, made an indelible mark on Ghanaian highlife. “His brilliant compositions and works have not only entertained but also inspired and uplifted many of us,” Dr Bawumia noted. He added that Lumba’s passing is “a huge blow, not only to the music fraternity but to the entire country.” Together with his wife, Samira, he extended condolences to the family and fans of the late star, concluding, “LEGEND, REST WELL.”

Reggie Rockstone, the godfather of hiplife, shared a deeply emotional tribute, thanking Lumba “for all the joy and smiles” he gave to the nation. “It was an honour to bask in your light,” he said, urging all to celebrate the life of “a great human.”

The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Singer Efya and actress Efia Odo expressed heartbreak and disbelief, while rapper M.anifest simply called him “Iconic.” Kofi Kinaata posted, “Journey in peace,” and Sarkodie, clearly moved, wrote: “Your legacy will live on,” a reflection of the mutual respect shared between the two artists.

Kwame A Plus, who once collaborated with Lumba on a campaign song for then-candidate Akufo-Addo, referred to him as “a good friend.” Meanwhile, MP for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, hailed Lumba’s music as having “shaped generations,” adding that his legacy would “live on forever in the hearts of Ghanaians and lovers of highlife across the world.”

The creative community also felt the sting of this loss. Veteran actor and broadcaster George Quaye described the blow to Ghana’s arts scene in recent months as “unbearable.” Long-time friend and producer Fred Kyei Mensah mourned “the end of an era,” recalling his 43-year relationship with the late singer.

A  detail came from 2025 VGMA Artiste of the Year King Promise, who revealed that he had been working on a joint album with Daddy Lumba shortly before his passing. Though unreleased, the project is now seen as a possible final gem from the iconic artist.

As tributes continue to pour in, one truth remains: Daddy Lumba may be gone, but his music, influence, and legacy are immortal.