Thousands of mourners flooded Independence Square on the night of August 2, 2025, to pay tribute to legendary Highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, in a powerful candlelight vigil marked by music, memory, and emotion.
The solemn gathering transformed the historic square into a glowing sea of flickering candles as fans dressed in black reflected on the life and music of an icon who shaped Ghana’s cultural identity for decades.
Lumba passed away at The Bank Hospital in Accra on July 26, 2025, after a prolonged battle with illness. Though his health challenges had remained largely private, his music never ceased to resonate, and the outpouring of grief at the vigil underscored his enduring impact.
The night was filled with the sound of his timeless songs—tracks that have served as the emotional soundtrack of love, heartbreak, hope, and resilience for many Ghanaians. From heartfelt tributes and poetry readings to choral renditions of his classics, the vigil was both a remembrance and a celebration.
“His music was more than entertainment—it was a reflection of our lives,” one attendee said, holding a candle close to her chest. “Tonight is not just about mourning; it’s about gratitude.”
The event also featured testimonies from fans who had grown up with Lumba’s music, sharing personal stories of how his lyrics had helped them navigate love, sorrow, and identity.
Organised as part of a series of nationwide commemorative activities, the vigil was a clear reflection of how deeply interwoven Daddy Lumba’s artistry is with Ghana’s social fabric. With over 200 songs to his name, his influence remains unmatched.
For many gathered at Independence Square, it was more than a farewell—it was a collective vow to keep his legacy alive through the music he gave so generously.
