Thousands Storm Baba Yara Stadium as Daddy Lumba Is Finally Laid to Rest After Legal Battles
Thousands of mourners from across Ghana and the diaspora converged at the Heroes Park of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday to witness the final funeral rites of legendary highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
After months of legal disputes and family disagreements that delayed his burial, the long-awaited funeral of the music icon finally took place amid deep emotions, tears, and tributes celebrating his enormous contribution to Ghanaian music.
As early as 3:00 a.m., mourners clad mainly in traditional black and red mourning attire had already flooded the funeral grounds. Many queued patiently to file past the body of the late musician, with scenes of open weeping and wailing as fans bade farewell to a legend whose music defined generations.
The funeral attracted people from all walks of life, including musicians, traditional leaders, business executives, and politicians. A high-powered delegation from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) was led by the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah (General Mosquito), who represented President John Dramani Mahama. He was joined by 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 honoured 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, symbolised 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.
Background to the Court Case
Daddy Lumba’s burial was delayed after members of his maternal family secured an injunction from the Accra High Court, restraining the Abusuapanyin, Kofi Owusu, and other respondents from organising the funeral. The court further ordered the funeral home not to release the body until the substantive issues were resolved.
The legal action stemmed from claims that some family members had been sidelined in funeral arrangements. After weeks of legal processes, mediation, and traditional interventions, the matter was resolved, paving the way for the funeral.
A Music Legend Remembered
Born in 1964, Daddy Lumba’s 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 at the time of filing this report, neither the first wife of the late Daddy Lumba, Akosua Serwaa Fosu, nor members of her family and supporters were present at the funeral grounds.
Daddy Lumba may have taken his final bow, but his voice, music, and legacy will continue to echo through generations.
