Rapper Sarkodie joined mourners at Independence Square for a candlelight vigil in honour of the late highlife legend, Daddy Lumba.

In a national display of grief and reverence, thousands gathered at Independence Square in Accra on the evening of August 2, 2025, for a candlelight vigil honoring the late highlife legend, Daddy Lumba.

The event, organized by the Creative Arts Agency, marked a collective moment of reflection on the life and legacy of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, better known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60 following a brief illness.

The vigil, as captured in a video shared online, saw an outpouring of emotion from mourners, many of whom held glowing candles and light sticks, illuminating the night with a sea of tiny flames. Among the attendees was rapper Sarkodie, whose presence underscored the profound influence Daddy Lumba had on generations of Ghanaian musicians. The video shows Sarkodie, visibly moved, standing and dancing in tribute, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd and viewers online.

Daddy Lumba’s death sent shockwaves through Ghana and the global African music community. His career, spanning over four decades, redefined highlife music, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary influences to create a sound that transcended borders. His lyrics, often rooted in Ghanaian culture and folklore, touched on universal themes of love, life, and resilience, earning him a place as one of the most important figures in Ghana’s music history.

The vigil was not just a farewell but a celebration of a life that soundtrack countless memories. Attendees, dressed predominantly in black, shared stories and sang along to his timeless hits, creating an atmosphere of both sorrow and celebration. The Creative Arts Agency’s invitation to the public to join the solemn ceremony from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM was met with an overwhelming response, reflecting the deep connection Ghanaians felt with Daddy Lumba.

Daddy Lumba’s health had been a concern in recent years, particularly after a severe condition in 2022 that temporarily impaired his mobility. Despite these challenges, he continued to perform, with his last public concert just months before his death on Valentine’s Day 2025. His passing at The Bank Hospital in Accra after a short illness was a somber reminder of the fragility of life, yet his legacy remains indelible.

As the night progressed, the crowd’s chants and applause echoed through Independence Square, a testament to the enduring impact of Daddy Lumba’s music. The vigil served as a bridge between generations, uniting young fans and seasoned listeners in a shared moment of mourning and memory. Social media reactions to the event highlighted the emotional weight of the occasion, with many praising Sarkodie’s tribute and the collective spirit of the gathering.

The funeral details for Daddy Lumba are still pending, but the candlelight vigil on August 2, 2025, will be remembered as a significant chapter in the story of Ghanaian music. It was a night when the nation came together to honor a cultural icon whose voice and vision shaped the soundtrack of a generation.

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