Highlife legends in music, one of Ghana’s most treasured cultural exports, have produced some of the country’s most iconic musicians.
In the past five years, the genre has lost several of its legends, men whose music shaped generations and laid the foundation for Ghana’s contemporary sound.
Their passing marks the end of an era, but their influence continues to echo through airwaves and performances across the country from the highlife legends.
Below are 8 highlife legends who died in the last half-decade:
1. Daddy Lumba (1964-2025, died July 26, 2025)
Daddy Lumba passed away at the Bank Hospital in Accra at dawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness.
He was 60 years old.
The announcement was made in a heartfelt press release by the Fosu family through their legal representative, Fati Ali Yallah, Esq. of Baba Jamal & Associates.
The statement described Lumba as more than a musician — a cultural icon whose music served as the emotional soundtrack of Ghanaian life for decades.
“His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience,” the family shared in the statement.
Daddy Lumba’s impact on the Ghanaian music scene is immeasurable. With over 30 albums to his name and a legacy that spans highlife, gospel, and love ballads, his influence shaped the soundscape of Ghana from the 1980s through the 2020s.
He was not only a performer but also a mentor to many up-and-coming artists, helping shape the careers of some of the country’s biggest stars.
2. Nana Kwame Ampadu (1945-2021, died September 28, 2021)
Often hailed as the “Father of Ghanaian Highlife,” Nana Ampadu was a lyrical genius whose storytelling style revolutionised the genre. With over 800 songs to his name, including timeless hits like Ebi Te Yie and Obra, Ampadu was a national treasure. He passed away at the age of 76 after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that continues to educate and entertain.
3. A.B. Crentsil (1943-2022, died: July 13, 2022)
Alfred Benjamin Crentsil, known for hits like Moses, Juliana, and Atia, was one of the most versatile and charismatic figures in Ghanaian music. His deep voice, masterful guitar skills, and humorous storytelling made him a household name in the 1970s and ’80s. He passed away at age 79 after battling an illness.
4. K.K. Kabobo (Died: March 14, 2024)
Known for the hit song Onyame Ahu Wo, K.K. Kabobo was a veteran musician and teacher whose work inspired many in the gospel-highlife subgenre. He was celebrated for blending inspirational lyrics with traditional rhythms. Kabobo succumbed to liver disease after a prolonged illness.
5. Nana Tuffour (1954-2020, died June 15 2020)
Highlife musician, Nana Tuffour is reported to have died on June 15, 2020. He is reported to have died in the USA after a short illness. Nana Tuffour is credited with songs such as “Me Yere Dada” and Abeiku which were hit songs in Ghana during his heyday. He was 66 years old.
6. Kofi B (1980-2020, died February 2, 2020)
Ghanaian musician Kofi B is one of the musicians who died in 2020. According to information available, the artist died during the early hours of Sunday, February 2, 2020. Reports after his death indicated that the ace highlife artist had not been well for some time now. Kofi B, born Kofi Boakye Yiadom, was known for hit songs such as Mmbrowa, Bantama Kofi Boakye, Koforidua Flowers, among other hit songs. He performed on many stages and won several awards.
7. Dada KD (Died May 16, 2025)
Nana Kwakye Duah, popularly known as Dada K.D., passed away at the Gbawe SDA Hospital after a short illness. He was 56 years old. Known for songs like Fatia Fata Nkrumah, Odo Mu Anigye, Obiara Se Eye, and Tekyere Ma, he was one of the most respected voices in contemporary highlife. He released nine albums in his career and was preparing for a concert in London before his sudden death.
8. Akwaboah Snr (1950s-2023, died May 16, 2023)
Kwadwo Akwaboah, known as Akwaboah Snr., passed away on May 16, 2023, in Kumasi following complications from glaucoma. The talented singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and producer, who was in his late 60s or 70s, represented the multifaceted nature of highlife artistry.
Akwaboah Snr. was the creative force behind memorable hits like “Awerɛkyekyerɛ” and “Hini Me.” His musical journey included collaborations with bands such as Oheneba Ntim Barima and work alongside legends like C.K. Mann.
