Ghana Mourns Music Icon Daddy Lumba, Parliament Calls for State Burial and Highlife Museum

ACCRA, GHANA – The Parliament of Ghana has come together to pay a heartfelt tribute to the legendary highlife musician, Daddy Lumba, with calls for a befitting state burial and the establishment of a national highlife music museum to honor his immense contribution to Ghanaian culture.

During a parliamentary session, Members of Parliament expressed profound sorrow at the passing of the musical giant. One honorable member, speaking passionately, described Daddy Lumba as "Ghana's Michael Jackson" and emphasized the widespread impact of his music, stating, "I am almost certain that there were many people in this chamber who shed a tear, including myself."

The speaker highlighted that even those who did not understand the Twi language, in which many of Lumba's songs were performed, still deeply enjoyed his music. This underscores the universal appeal and reach of his artistry, transcending linguistic barriers within Ghana and beyond.

A key proposal arising from the parliamentary tributes is the call for a state burial for Daddy Lumba. Proponents argued that Lumba had "outlived the confines of his family" and had become "a national asset" through his dedication to promoting Ghana globally via his music. The sentiment was that his status as a cultural ambassador warranted the highest honor from the state.

Beyond the immediate tribute, there was a strong plea for the establishment of a dedicated highlife museum. "The nation should have a highlife museum where we will have all our highlife musicians' acts and their works being displayed there," one MP urged. The speaker emphasized that highlife is one of Ghana's "major music genres" and lamented the lack of a national institution to properly archive and celebrate its rich history and influential figures.

The call for a highlife museum is seen as a crucial step not only to honor pioneers like Daddy Lumba but also to preserve Ghana's musical heritage for future generations and to offer a comprehensive cultural experience for both Ghanaians and international visitors.

The eulogies in Parliament reflect the deep admiration and respect held for Daddy Lumba, not just as a musician, but as a cultural icon who shaped the soundscape of Ghana and resonated with millions. The discussions highlight a collective desire to ensure his legacy is appropriately recognized and that Ghanaian highlife music receives the institutional reverence it deserves.