Ghanaian rapper and music producer, Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, known professionally as M.anifest, has paid glowing tribute to the late highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, describing him as an artist who transcended music genres.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on July 28, M.anifest extended his condolences to the family of the late musician, noting that his legacy was worthy of celebration.

M.anifest praised Daddy Lumba for remaining relevant and prolific across several decades.

He added that Daddy Lumba became a distinct musical force, associated with multiple highlife styles including the ‘Borga Highlife’ movement, and noted that the artist’s evolution made his name a genre of its own.

“Condolences to his family, it’s a great loss. From everything that has been said, it’s a celebration of all the incredible gifts he shared with the world. There are very few musicians in life who have managed to transcend the genre.

He added, “They might begin somewhere, but they managed to transcend genre. And I think with almost four decades of work, at least three plus decades, Lumba literally transcended genre. So, it became more Daddy Lumba. You can associate him with Borga Highlife, different versions of highlife; he was prolific, he was relevant through different eras. Just like other people, at some point, they go beyond genre.”

Daddy Lumba passed away at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra, on July 26, 2025. His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and the wider public.

Daddy Lumba, widely considered one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s music scene, enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades. Known for his distinctive voice, compelling lyrics, and timeless hits, he released over 30 albums and captivated generations with classics such as Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Yentie Obiaa, and Playboy.

Born on September 29, 1964, Lumba’s musical journey began in the 1980s and took off with the release of his debut album Y??y? Aka Akwantuo Mu, in collaboration with Nana Acheampong as the Lumba Brothers. His solo career soared thereafter, earning him numerous accolades and a loyal fan base both locally and abroad.

Daddy Lumba’s legacy is etched in the cultural and musical identity of Ghana, having inspired countless artistes and left a mark on the country’s highlife genre.