Daddy Lumba and other Ghanaian highlife legends who have died within the previous five years
Between 2020 and 2025, Ghana said goodbye to some of its most recognizable highlife musicians. These performers were more than just entertainers; they were storytellers who influenced the sound of an age.
Their music captured ordinary events, praised culture, and drew people together at weddings, radio stations, and homes across the country.
They worked for decades to create timeless songs and albums that brought new rhythms and local storylines, so helping to define Ghanaian music’s character.
Below, we explore the years they passed, the major contributions they made, and how their legacies continue to shape and inspire Ghana’s music scene today.
Highlife legends that passed on in the last 5 years
1. Daddy Lumba (1964-2025)
The highlife society was struck its most severe blow on July 26, 2025, when Charles Kojo Fosu, also known as Daddy Lumba, died at the age of 60 after a brief illness.
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba’s career began in the early 1980s with the Lumba Brothers before embarking on one of Ghana’s most successful solo ventures.
With over 30 albums to his name, Daddy Lumba established a musical empire based on emotive storytelling and creative creation.
His iconic songs, including “Aben Wo Ha,” “Yentie Obiaa,” “Theresa,” “Sika Asem,” and “Playboy,” became anthems that cut across generational lines.
His music was more than just entertainment; it was a soundtrack to Ghanaian life, tackling love, relationships, social issues, and everyday events with great insight and relatability.
His death had an immediate and far-reaching impact throughout Ghana.
Musicians, politicians, and fans from all over the world, including former Vice-President Bawumia and rapper Sarkodie, paid tribute to his huge cultural impact and recognized him as an irreplaceable icon of Ghanaian music.
2. Nana Kwame Ampadu (1945-2021)
Nana Kwame Ampadu, 76, died on September 28, 2021, in Legon Hospital in Accra. He was one of Ghana’s most respected musical patriots.
Born on March 31, 1945, in Obo Kwahu, Ampadu was more than just a musician; he created the famed African Brothers Band in 1963 and wrote over 800 songs during his successful career.
Ampadu’s breakthrough hit, “Ebi Te Yie” (Some Are Well Seated), from 1967, showcased his bold approach to social critique.
The song, generally regarded as political criticism, was prohibited during military rule until being restored to the airwaves, cementing Ampadu’s status as a people’s voice.
His huge library features timeless favorites including “Obra,” “Agartha,” “Yaw Berko,” and “Oman Bo Adwo.”
Throughout his career, he received various sorts of recognition. He was crowned Odwontofohene (Singer-in-Chief) in 1973 and later gained national recognition, including a state-assisted funeral in 2022.
President Akufo-Addo lauded him for defining Ghana’s highlife legacy and even acknowledged his participation in the 2016 presidential campaign, emphasizing how his music influenced both culture and politics.
3. A.B. Crentsil (1943-2022)
Alfred Benjamin Crentsil Jr., professionally known as A.B. Crentsil, died on July 13, 2022, at the age of 79, leaving a legacy as one of Ghana’s “big three” vocalists.
Crentsil, born in Prestea in 1943, rose to prominence as the lead singer of Sweet Talks and then the Ahenfo Band, where his distinctive voice became synonymous with classic highlife.
His signature tune “Devil” is a highlife classic that has been popular with audiences for decades.
Crentsil’s contribution to Ghanaian music was publicly recognized when he got the coveted Fontomfrom Evergreen Award, which honours his long and powerful musical career.
4. Akwaboah Snr. (1950s-2023)
Kwadwo Akwaboah, also known as Akwaboah Snr., died in Kumasi on May 16, 2023, as a result of glaucoma complications. The outstanding singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and producer, who was in his late 60s or 70s, exemplified the many facets of highlife artistry.
Akwaboah Snr. created notable singles like as “Awerɛkyekyerɛ” and “Hini Me.” His musical path featured collaborations with bands like Oheneba Ntim Barima, as well as work with veterans like C.K. Mann.
Perhaps equally important was his role as father and mentor to modern highlife artist Akwaboah Jnr., which ensured that his musical legacy would be passed down to future generations.
5. Nana Tuffour (1954-2020)
James Kwaku Tuffour, often known as Nana Tuffour, died on June 15, 2020, at the age of 66, apparently due to COVID-19 problems. Tuffour, born on February 14, 1954, was a soulful highlife singer and songwriter whose romantic ballads captivated numerous Ghanaians.
His musical trajectory included playing keyboards for bands such as Wanto Wazuri and Vis-à-Vis, as well as early collaborations with Nigerian icon King Sunny Adé. Tuffour’s beloved songs, such as “Aketekyiwa,” “Abeiku,” “Owuo Sei Fie,” and “Emirika,” cemented his standing as a master of romantic highlife and gained him a dedicated following over the course of around 15 albums.
6. Kofi B (1980-2020)
Kofi Boakye Yiadom, also known as Kofi B, died unexpectedly on February 2, 2020, in Cape Coast of a heart attack soon before a performance, causing a shock to the highlife community. At roughly the age of 40, he represented a new generation of highlife performers who were blending traditional and contemporary sounds.
Though relatively young in comparison to his contemporaries, Kofi B’s mix of highlife and hiphop generated a distinct sound that appealed to modern audiences. His classic songs include “Mmobrowa,” “Bantama Kofi Boakye,” “Koforidua Flowers,” and “Belinda.” His intimate storytelling style and passionate delivery established him as a unique voice of his generation, demonstrating that age does not define effect in the music industry.
7. Dada K.D
Nana Kwakye Duah popularly known as Dada K.D. passed away at the Gbawe SDA Hospital after a short illness. He was 56 years old. Known for songs like Fatia Fata Nkrumah, Odo Mu Anigye, Obiara Se Eye, and Tekyere Ma, he was one of the most respected voices in contemporary highlife. He released nine albums in his career and was preparing for a concert in London before his sudden death
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