Ghanaian hip-hop sensation Gambo delivered an emotional tribute to highlife legend Daddy Lumba during his performance at Davido’s “5IVE Tour” in Philadelphia on August 2, 2025.
The poignant moment unfolded at the nearly sold-out Liacouras Center, where Gambo paused his set to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of the late music icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, leaving behind an indelible legacy in Ghana’s music history.
Born on September 29, 1964, in Nsuta, he was widely credited with modernizing the highlife genre and remained a towering figure in the West African music scene for decades.
With numerous Ghana Music Awards and international acclaim, his influence has touched generations of artists and fans alike.
As Gambo—winner of the 2022 Telecel Ghana Music Awards’ “Unsung Artiste” category—stepped onto the international stage, his tribute served as a powerful testament to cross-generational respect within African music.
The act of remembrance resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom lit phone flashlights in solidarity, turning the arena into a sea of soft white light.
“Daddy Lumba inspired so many of us. His music carried the soul of Ghana and gave us pride in our roots,” Gambo said during his tribute, drawing a wave of cheers and applause.
The Philadelphia stop was part of Davido’s ongoing “5IVE Tour,” which has already made waves in major U.S. cities, including a packed show at Los Angeles’ KIA Forum Arena. Gambo’s tribute in such a high-profile setting not only highlighted Daddy Lumba’s enduring cultural footprint but also showcased the growing unity and recognition of African artistry on the global stage.
This heartfelt moment during the tour’s U.S. leg served as a reminder of music’s power to connect, commemorate, and inspire—across borders, generations, and genres.
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