On July 26, 2025, social media platforms erupted with claims that Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, Ghana’s highlife music legend, had passed away. The news sent shockwaves through fans and the Ghanaian music community, but as conflicting reports surfaced, the truth became murky. Let’s dive into the story, explore all angles, and uncover what people might not know about this recurring phenomenon surrounding one of Ghana’s most iconic musicians.
The Spark: Where It All Began
The rumors kicked off early on Saturday, July 26, 2025, when a popular social media page, @selthebomb, posted about Daddy Lumba’s alleged death, citing “close sources” but lacking an official family statement. Soon after, Graphic Online published a report claiming Daddy Lumba had died at the Bank Hospital in Accra at dawn, citing sources close to the family who said he was admitted for an undisclosed health condition. The report noted that people had gathered at his East Legon home, awaiting an official family announcement.
But almost as quickly as the news spread, counter-reports emerged. GhanaWeb, a prominent news outlet, investigated and found no official confirmation from Daddy Lumba’s family or close associates. A source close to the family told GhanaWeb, “Daddy Lumba is alive and healthy. Family is surprised by the death rumors.” Another source from Daddy Lumba’s own media platform, DLFM, echoed this, stating that “everything is positive.” Media personality Andy Dosty also took to social media to debunk the rumors, calling them false and urging the public to disregard them.
A Pattern of False Alarms
Here’s something people might not know: this isn’t the first time Daddy Lumba has been “killed” by rumors. In 2013, Kumasi was abuzz with claims of his death, prompting Lumba himself to go on SIKKA FM’s Sika Mmere program to declare, “I’m not dead, I am alive by the special grace of God.” He noted that his private nature and long absences from the public eye might fuel such speculation. In 2015 and 2020, similar rumors surfaced, each time met with strong denials from his public relations officer, Philip Appiah Kubi, known as Roman Fada, who called out those spreading false claims and even threatened legal action.
Roman Fada’s 2020 statement was particularly fiery: “Some Ghanaians are foolish and anyone who keeps spreading the news will be sued.” This pattern suggests a troubling trend where misinformation about Daddy Lumba’s health or death resurfaces every few years, often amplified by social media and unverified blogs.
The Other Side: Why the Confusion?
While the majority of credible sources lean toward Daddy Lumba being alive, the Graphic Online report stands out as a significant outlier. Its claim of his death at the Bank Hospital, supported by alleged family sources, added weight to the rumors initially. The lack of an immediate official statement from Daddy Lumba’s family, as noted by multiple sources, left room for speculation. GhanaWeb reported that the family was preparing an official statement to clarify the situation, but as of the latest updates, no such statement had been released.
Social media didn’t help. Posts on X showed a split in sentiment. Some users mourned with tributes, like one playing Lumba’s “Adaka Tea” on repeat, reflecting on life’s fragility, while others, like @Ankamagyimi, refused to believe the rumors, citing their recurring nature. The frenzy highlights how quickly unverified news can spread, especially when it involves a figure as beloved as Daddy Lumba.
What People Don’t Know: The Bigger Picture
There’s more to this story than meets the eye. Daddy Lumba, born September 29, 1964, in Nsuta Amangoase, Ashanti Region, has been a towering figure in Ghanaian highlife music for over three decades. With over 30 albums, including hits like Yereye Aka Akwantuo Mu and Woho Kyere, he’s shaped the genre and mentored artists like Ofori Amponsah. His private lifestyle, often staying out of the public eye, has made him a target for rumors. As he told Modern Ghana in 2013, “I’m a very quiet and private person who is always at home. Maybe it’s my long absence from the public space which facilitates such rumours.”
Another lesser-known fact is the emotional toll these rumors take. In 2020, Roman Fada described the situation as “unfortunate” and urged people to stop spreading falsehoods, emphasizing that Daddy Lumba “has not finished with his assignment on earth.” The musician’s deep connection to his fans, evident in his heartfelt songs about his late mother, Comfort Gyamfi, adds to the pain these rumors cause. Songs like Anidasoɔ Wɔhɔ Ma Obiara and Ohia Asɛm were tributes to her, showing his personal side.
There’s also a curious case of mistaken identity. In 2019, a highlife artist known as Daddy Lumba Junior, or Anokye Supremo, did pass away after brain tumor surgery in India. This event may have contributed to confusion in the past, though it’s unrelated to the 2025 rumors.
Why This Matters
The Daddy Lumba death rumors aren’t just gossip. They reflect the challenges of navigating information in the digital age. Social media can amplify unverified claims, and even reputable outlets can get caught in the crossfire. For fans, the emotional rollercoaster is real, as seen in posts on X where users expressed frustration: “You people are very disgusting for that Daddy Lumba false news. Ah, one person every year you people kill him why?”
Daddy Lumba’s legacy is undeniable. From his early days with the Lumba Brothers to his recent 60th birthday celebration in 2024, marked by an intimate show in Accra attended by figures like Serwaa Amihere, he remains a cultural icon. His music, blending traditional highlife with contemporary sounds, continues to resonate across generations. The recurring rumors underscore his larger-than-life status but also highlight the need for critical thinking when consuming news.
The Verdict
As of now, the weight of evidence suggests Daddy Lumba is alive. Multiple sources, including GhanaWeb, Andy Dosty, and DLFM, have debunked the death claims, with no official confirmation from the family to support Graphic Online’s report. Given the history of similar false alarms, it’s likely this is another case of misinformation. However, the absence of an official family statement leaves a sliver of uncertainty, and fans are eagerly awaiting clarity.
For now, let’s celebrate Daddy Lumba’s contributions to Ghanaian music and hope for his continued health. If you’re a fan, maybe spin Adaka Tea or Aben Wɔha and reflect on his legacy without the premature eulogies.
Comment and Share: What’s your favorite Daddy Lumba song? Have you been affected by these rumors? Drop your thoughts below and share this post to help set the record straight!
