Gospel artiste and television presenter Gina Asante has sparked widespread conversation on social media after openly questioning the legacy of the late highlife icon Daddy Lumba, who passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Accra.

Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, was 60. His death was formally announced by his legal representative Fati Ali Yallah, who stated on behalf of the family.

Since the news broke, tributes have flooded in from fans, fellow musicians, politicians, and cultural commentators, all honouring the enormous influence he had on Ghanaian music.

However, in a Facebook post dated Tuesday, July 29, Gina Asante took a critical stance, questioning whether an artist whose music included explicit content should be celebrated as a national icon.

“Write profane songs and dance with half-naked women to disturb the morality of the nation, and they call you a legend!” she wrote.

Asante, who is also a presenter on Pent TV, where she hosts a gospel music programme, further challenged her followers to reconsider what constitutes legendary status in the music industry.

“For those who hail and call secular musicians legends, let’s list their impact. 1…” she added, inviting her audience to provide tangible examples of positive influence by secular musicians.

Her comments have triggered an intense online debate, with opinions sharply divided.

Some have applauded her for defending moral values and calling attention to what they consider the erosion of decency in popular music.

Others have criticised her remarks as ill-timed and disrespectful to a man many consider a cultural icon who significantly shaped Ghana’s musical heritage.

Daddy Lumba, whose career spanned over four decades, is known for classic hits such as “Aben Wo Ha,” “Yentie Obiaa,” “Playboy,” and “Theresa.”

He is widely celebrated for revolutionising the highlife genre and mentoring several musicians, including Ofori Amponsah and Great Ampong.