“Makra Mo”: A Legend’s Farewell (Daddy Lumba)

You’ve seen me today — let’s not do anything else. Maybe you’ll never see me again…” — Daddy Lumba

Ghana has lost not just a musician, but a generational spirit. The man born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba, died peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025. He was 60. His death, confirmed by the family, plunged the country into mourning, with tributes pouring in.

“Makra Mo”: Beyond A Song

Daddy Lumba released countless and timeless hits that engraved into Ghanaian consciousness, songs that played at weddings, parties, funerals, lovers’ hideaways, and political rallies alike. Yet among the many he gifted the world, the “Makra Mo” song stands apart.

In it, Lumba sings “You’ve heard me speak today, let my song bring you joy…” It is eerie now, prophetic, even how “Makra Mo” encapsulated his preparedness for his departure. The song was not just a beautiful melody but a poetic exit letter, a heart-to-heart between a man and his people.

He knew, perhaps, that there would be a day when he wouldn’t be here to sing anymore. And so, he recorded his goodbye ahead of time, set to melody, dressed in chords.

“Maybe You’ll Never See Me Again”

In the wake of his passing, Ghanaians have responded with an outpouring of grief that mirrors the depth of their love for Lumba. Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama wrote: “Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life. The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages.”

A Legend At African Legends Night

Daddy Lumba’s contributions to African music earned him a revered status, making the African Legends Night celebrations significant milestones in honouring his legacy during his lifetime, a rarity for artistes in any industry. African Legends Night, an event organized by Global Media Alliance to honour iconic African musicians, chose Daddy Lumba as a focal point, recognizing his profound impact on Ghanaian and African music.

The decision to celebrate him twice in a decade underscores his unmatched influence and the rarity of an artist maintaining such relevance over time. Celebrating Daddy Lumba while he was still active is a departure from the posthumous recognition many African artistes receive. The two separate concerts highlighted a growing awareness in African entertainment to honour icons in real-time, allowing them to witness their impact.