Highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, better known as Daddy Lumba, not only shaped Ghana’s music scene but also quietly harboured ambitions far beyond the stage.
According to Mark Okraku-Mantey, the late icon once envisioned himself in Parliament and even aspired to a traditional chieftaincy role in his hometown.
During a tribute segment on Adom TV’s Showtym on August 9, 2025, Okraku-Mantey revealed that Lumba’s political interest was well-known to those close to him. He claimed that former President Akufo-Addo, a longtime friend of the musician, could one day shed light on the full story.
“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 explained that Lumba’s leadership aspirations were twofold: politics and tradition. “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.”
Okraku-Mantey noted that just as Lumba was preparing to explore these roles, illness struck, forcing him to step back from such pursuits.
Watch his statement below.