8 things you should know about Daddy Lumba’s journey before his death

The sudden passing of Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba has left fans heartbroken across the globe.

Here’s a quick look at key moments that shaped his remarkable journey before his death on July 26, 2025.

1. He started young

Daddy Lumba’s music journey began at age 16. While at Juaben SHS, he led the school choir in the 1983–1984 academic year under music teacher Christabel.

2. Lumba Brothers was born in school

He formed the original Lumba Brothers group at Juaben SHS with friends Yaw and Kwabena, and his then-girlfriend Theresa Abebrese.

3. Germany changed everything

After school, Lumba moved to Germany with help from Theresa. There, he met Nana Acheampong, who introduced him to highlife, moving him from gospel to the sound we all came to love.

4. The first album took time

Though they hoped to release their first album in 1986, financial setbacks delayed it. With support from Lumba’s wife Akosua Serwaa, they finally dropped Yɛɛyɛ  Aka Akwantuo Mu in 1989.

5. He released 33 albums—with a 34th on the way

Lumba gave us hits like Aben Wɔha, Sika Asɛm, and Awosoɔ. He was working on his 34th album, Nnipa Fon Na Ɛka Nsɛm Fon, before his death.

6. He mentored stars

He helped launch the careers of 13 Ghanaian musicians. His 1999 album Woho Kyere introduced Ofori Amponsah, now a highlife icon himself

7. He dominated the awards scene

In 1999, he won Best Album, Artist of the Year, and Most Popular Song at the Ghana Music Awards—a clean sweep that showed his dominance.

8. He passed at 60

Daddy Lumba died on July 26, 2025, at The Bank Hospital in Accra after a brief illness. His radio station, DLFM, confirmed the news.