Highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, famously known as Daddy Lumba, was more than a music icon, he once dreamed of wielding influence in politics and traditional leadership.
According to Mark Okraku-Mantey, the late musician had quietly set his sights on a parliamentary seat and a chieftaincy title in his hometown.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Showtym on August 9, 2025, Okraku-Mantey shared that Lumba’s political leanings were no secret to those in his inner circle. He hinted that former President Akufo-Addo, a close friend of the artiste, might one day reveal the full extent of Lumba’s ambitions.
“I got some ‘filla’ that Daddy Lumba had ambitions of becoming an MP. One day, Akufo-Addo will disclose everything for everyone to hear. He had a special relationship with him. As it neared his time, sickness began to trouble him, and he had to leave everything behind,” Okraku-Mantey said.
He added that Lumba’s leadership ambitions were not limited to politics.
“He also aspired to become a chief; in fact, his family even came forward to say that he wanted to take on this role in his hometown. After pursuing a career in music, he wanted to transition into a leadership position.”
Unfortunately, Okraku-Mantey noted, illness struck just as Lumba was preparing to take on these new roles, forcing him to abandon his plans.
Daddy Lumba, who died on July 26, 2025, leaves behind an unmatched musical legacy that reshaped Ghana’s Highlife sound and inspired generations of artistes.
Watch Okraku-Mantey’s statement below.
