Ghana’s Highlife legend, Daddy Lumba, whose real name was Charles Kwadwo Fosu, got his iconic stage name from Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba.
Music producer Fredyma recently spilled the beans on how the legendary musician adopted the name that would become synonymous with excellence in Ghana’s music scene.
According to Fredyma, Daddy Lumba’s journey to superstardom began in Juaben Secondary School, where he sang in the school choir that performed a song about Patrice Lumumba.
The song’s themes of strength, leadership, and purpose resonated deeply with Lumba, reflecting the qualities that would define his musical career.
‘The song about Patrice Lumumba stayed with him. It symbolized strength, leadership, and purpose—qualities that mirrored his own journey’, Fredyma revealed.
As Lumba’s career progressed, he added ‘Daddy’ to his name, signifying maturity, fatherhood, and a deeper connection with his audience. This addition cemented his status as a beloved figure in Ghanaian music, and ‘Daddy Lumba’ became a household name.
Fredyma shared that the name ‘Lumba’ became associated with excellence in Ghana’s Highlife music scene, and the addition of ‘Daddy’ symbolized maturity and a deep bond with his fans.
Lumba began his music career at age 16 and became the leader of the then Juaben Secondary School choir in 1983.
It is on record that after secondary school, Daddy Lumba formed the ‘Lumba Brothers’ group with his girlfriend Theresa Abebrese and other colleagues, Yaw and Kwabena.
Theresa assisted Daddy Lumba to travel to Germany after school to seek greener pastures, where he met Ernest Nana Acheampong.
Nana Acheampong, a living highlife legend introduced Daddy Lumba to highlife music. Until now, all Lumba knew was gospel music.
The duo formed the group ‘Lumba Brothers’ and rose to fame with the hit song ‘Yɛɛyɛ aka akwantuo mu’ and many others.
Later on in life, they got separated and decided to become solo artistes.
Daddy Lumba’s passing on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, has left a void in Ghana’s music industry, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
Lumba’s name has become an integral part of Ghana’s Highlife music history, and his contributions to the industry will never be forgotten.
SOURCE: Kasatintin.com
