Kumasipioneer.com Truth l Accuracy l Fairness
In a poignant display of grief and celebration, thousands of mourners from across Ghana and the diaspora converged at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s Heroes Park on Saturday to bid farewell to legendary highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba.
The emotional ceremony marked the culmination of a months-long wait, as legal disputes and family disagreements had delayed the burial of the music icon.
As early as 3:00 a.m., mourners clad in traditional black and red attire began to flood the funeral grounds, eager to pay their last respects to the man who had brought joy and solace to generations with his music.
The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as fans queued patiently to file past the body of the late musician, their faces etched with grief and memories of a legend who had left an indelible mark on Ghanaian music.
The funeral attracted a who’s who of Ghanaian society, including prominent musicians, traditional leaders, business executives, and politicians.
A high-powered delegation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was led by the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who represented President John Dramani Mahama. The delegation also included the NDC Ashanti Regional Chairman, Augustus Nana Akwasi Andrews, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and other party officials.
During the ceremony, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah announced a donation of GH¢50,000 on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama to support the funeral of the late highlife icon. Renowned Ghanaian business mogul, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, also arrived at the Heroes Park to pay his last respects, joining the long list of prominent personalities who honored Daddy Lumba.
A highly emotional moment unfolded when Priscilla Ofori Atta, popularly known as Odo Broni, wife of the Abusuapanyin, Kofi Owusu, entered the funeral grounds. As she arrived, mourners chanted her name and waved their hands in solidarity. She was visibly emotional and seen crying as security personnel escorted her to her seat, drawing loud reactions from the crowd.
The presence of Kofi Owusu, the Abusuapanyin of Daddy Lumba, symbolized reconciliation following the legal impasse that had earlier stalled the burial. Security at the venue was tight, and the sheer number of mourners made it difficult for many to get close to the body as officers struggled to maintain order.
Traditional cultural performances, including Adowa and Kete, were staged to the delight of mourners, celebrating the Ashanti heritage of the late musician. Legendary musician Nana Acheampong also thrilled the crowd with live performances of some of his classic songs as well as selected hits of Daddy Lumba, triggering emotional sing-alongs.
Daddy Lumba’s legacy extends far beyond his music. Born in 1964, his career spanned over four decades, producing more than 30 albums and countless timeless songs that reshaped Ghana’s highlife music scene. He is survived by eleven children.
As the nation bids farewell to a legend, his music and legacy will continue to echo through generations, a testament to the power of art to transcend time and touch hearts.
