Bawumia Advocates National Tribute for Highlife Star Daddy Lumba
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has made a heartfelt appeal for the late highlife music icon, Daddy Lumba, to be honoured with a state funeral in recognition of his remarkable influence on Ghanaian music and his broader cultural impact.
During a visit to the family home of the legendary musician, Dr. Bawumia offered his condolences and used the opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of the artist, whose real name was Charles Kwadwo Fosu. Describing him as one of Ghana’s most transformative musical figures, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the deep and lasting impression Daddy Lumba made on the nation’s musical identity over a career spanning more than four decades.
“Daddy Lumba was a musical genius. His songs carried not just melodies but messages that resonated with generations of Ghanaians,” Dr. Bawumia said during the visit. “His contribution goes beyond entertainment—he shaped how we understand ourselves as a people.”
Dr. Bawumia reflected on Lumba’s unique ability to fuse traditional highlife rhythms with modern sensibilities, making his music relatable across diverse age groups and backgrounds. He highlighted the fact that many of Lumba’s hits became soundtracks to Ghanaian life, capturing everyday stories, cultural pride, and emotional experiences.
Calling for a formal national honour, Dr. Bawumia stressed that the scale of Daddy Lumba’s cultural influence merits a state funeral—both as a tribute to the man and a statement about the value Ghana places on its artists. “This is more than a family loss or a musical loss; this is a national loss,” he stated. “A state funeral would be a fitting way to celebrate a man who gave so much of himself to Ghana.”
He also acknowledged the overwhelming public mourning since the artist’s passing, noting that the national outpouring of grief already reflects the deep respect and admiration Ghanaians have for the late singer. “Even if the state doesn’t formally grant a state funeral, the way Ghanaians are grieving shows that this is already a national event. He will be remembered as a true icon,” he added.
Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by several key members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Members of Parliament, party executives from both regional and constituency levels, and other dignitaries.
Daddy Lumba, born in 1964 in Nsuta, Ashanti Region, rose to fame in the late 1980s and went on to become a household name in Ghana. Known for his poetic lyrics, soulful delivery, and groundbreaking style, he released over 30 albums and is widely credited with redefining the highlife genre. His influence stretched far beyond music, as his songs often addressed social issues, personal experiences, and national pride.
His death has left a significant void in Ghana’s music scene, and many fans, artists, and public figures continue to pay tribute to his legacy. Dr. Bawumia’s call for a state funeral adds to growing calls for the country to give one of its greatest musicians the highest honour in death.
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