The nation’s long period of mourning reached its climax today, Saturday, December 13, 2025, as hundreds of mourners converged on the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the final burial and funeral rites of Highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known globally as Daddy Lumba (DL).
The massive public gathering brings a close to a months-long saga marked by intense family disputes and dramatic legal battles that repeatedly threatened to derail the funeral arrangements.
A Funeral Forged in Court
The funeral is proceeding only after a nail-biting, last-minute development at the Accra High Court.
Just yesterday, Friday, December 12, a High Court ruling cleared the way for the scheduled burial to proceed.
Maternal relatives of the late musician had sought an injunction, arguing they were excluded from the planning process led by the family head, Kofi Owusu.
The court, while initially granting the injunction, subsequently imposed a critical condition, ordering the applicants to deposit a substantial GH₵2 million to cover costs incurred by the organisers should the funeral ultimately be cancelled.
When the applicants failed to meet the short deadline for the payment, the injunction was effectively vacated, paving the way for the final rites.
Reacting to the decision on Friday, lead counsel for the defendants, Dominic Osei, described the ruling as a relief:
“He said prolonged litigation around a deceased loved one was painful and unnecessary. Mr. Osei called on Ghanaians to attend the funeral and honour the music legend. He urged fans to put aside personal interests and come together to celebrate Daddy Lumba’s life and legacy.”
The legal drama also highlighted the friction between statutory law and traditional Akan custom, which generally places authority over the deceased’s funeral with the maternal lineage.
The Stadium Scene: A Gathering of Giants
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium has been transformed into a majestic, yet sombre, assembly ground.
Crowd Size: Estimates suggest tens of thousands of mourners are present, reflecting the musician’s unparalleled appeal. The crowds include government officials, high-ranking traditional leaders, and a host of Ghanaian music celebrities who consider Lumba their mentor.
The Lying-in-State: The casket, carrying the body of the ‘Highlife King,’ lies in state, allowing the public to pay their last respects. The atmosphere is thick with sorrow, punctuated by traditional dirges and emotional performances of Lumba’s own classic hits like Yentie Obiaa.
A 30-Year Legacy
Born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, Daddy Lumba’s influence on Ghanaian music is immeasurable.
Starting his career with the Lumba Brothers duo in the late 1980s, he went on to release over 30 albums, winning multiple awards.
His songs were noted for their:
Lyrical Versatility: Covering everything from tender love songs (like the classic Theresa) and deep spiritual reflection to politically charged anthems.
Musical Innovation: He was a key figure in the evolution of Burger Highlife, blending traditional sounds with modern European studio techniques, which set the standard for generations of artistes who followed.
The funeral today is not just a family affair; it is a national acknowledgement of his status as one of Ghana’s most gifted and influential cultural figures.
Following the service, the body will be moved for private interment, bringing final peace to an icon whose life, and even death, was rarely quiet.
