Thousands gathered at Independence Square (Black Star Square) to mark the poignant one-week celebration of the legendary highlife icon, Daddy Lumba on August 30, 2025.
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Originally planned for the University of Ghana Stadium, the venue was relocated due to noise restrictions—a move that did nothing to dampen spirit but added intimacy to the tribute.
A Gathering of Stars and Fans
The atmosphere was electric with emotional homage. Prominent musicians—such as Obaapa Christy, who inspired the crowd with heart-stirring renditions of hits like “W’asue Me” and “Wagye Me”. Other artists joined in, navigating between celebration and mourning as they delivered versions of Lumba’s timeless classics including “Aben Wo Ha,” “Sika Asem,” and “Theresa.”
In one touching moment, Obaapa Christy’s soulful voice carried over the silent crowd, evoking tears while also reminding fans of Daddy Lumba’s musical greatness. The implications were clear: this was not just a tribute—it was a national therapy session through music.
Flash Performances & Viral Moments
Emerging artists also honored Lumba’s influence with fresh takes on his hits. As expected, social media was ablaze with clips—especially of “Aben Wo Ha” performances—sparking nostalgia, dance moves, and heartfelt tributes across platforms.
Fans and commentators branded these moments as “healing through melody,” while younger devotees used the artist’s legacy as a backdrop to express their grief and joy
Key Moments That Stood Out
- Standout Performances: Close relatives of Lumba and his creative collaborators joined Obaapa Christy with renditions of “Theresa” that encapsulated love, regret, and memory in powerful lyrics.
- Venue Change Buzz: The switch to Independence Square proved beneficial—its national-symbolic aura amplified the solemnity of the event, prompting many to remark that Daddy Lumba “left his soul there.”
- Family & Creative Arts Agency Coordination: The tribute was orchestrated by the Fosu family in collaboration with the Creative Arts Agency, ensuring dignified execution during a period of grief.
- Fan Participation: Mourners held candles, lilies, and posters bearing his legacy. Social media buzzed with photos tagged #DaddyLumbaLivesOn.
Also Read: Blakid Wins Emerging Artiste of the Year GMA-USA
Legacy Reflected in Every Note
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025. He had become an emblem of highlife music, celebrated for weaving complex themes—love, spirituality, social life—into his songs over a career spanning decades.
Hits like “Mpempem Do Me”, “Aben Wo Ha”, and “Yentie Obiaa” turned into generational anthems. Even in mourning, those songs united people, offering solace and connection.
Social Media Buzz
Fans on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram turned the event into a digital chorus of homage:
- “Daddy Lumba lives forever in my heart.”
- “No better way to say goodbye than with music he created himself.”
- “This is highlife healing us all.”
Hashtags such as #DaddyLumbaOneWeek and #GhanaMournsAHighlifeLegend trended for hours as fans shared video snippets, favorite lyrics, and personal memories tied to his legacy.
The one-week event is the first in a series of tributes. Plans are underway for a state-assisted funeral service in Kumasi, due to be announced soon. Meanwhile, fans hope media networks and producers will immortalize the Independence Square tribute for posterity.
Daddy Lumba’s one-week celebration proved to be more than a mournful day—it became a vibrant canvas of music, emotion, and community healing. Through performances, tears, and collective song, Ghanaians affirmed that highlife—and Daddy Lumba’s spirit—will forever resonate in every note.
