Ghana Mourns Highlife Icon Dada KD, Dead at 56

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
By
Ghana Mourns Highlife Icon Dada KD, Dead at 56
Dada KD

Ghana was struck with grief on Friday, May 16, 2025, when Nana Kwaku Duah, the beloved highlife musician known as Dada KD, passed away at 56. His sudden death at Gbawe SDA Hospital in Accra left fans, family, and fellow artists heartbroken, as the voice that defined a generation fell silent.
Dada KD’s manager, Clarence Kenneth Ekow Peterson, known as King Pee, shared the painful details. Early that morning, a househelp found the musician struggling to speak at his home. His team rushed him to medical care, but two hospitals reportedly turned him away due to unavailable doctors. At Gbawe SDA Hospital, staff tried desperately to save him, placing him on oxygen, but by 4:00 PM, he was gone. Some close to him mentioned mild malaria symptoms earlier that day, though no official cause of death has been confirmed. His family has not yet spoken publicly, leaving a nation to mourn in stunned silence.
Born in Kumasi on February 14, 1969, Dada KD was a musical giant from a young age. He began singing in church choirs at seven and mastered instruments by 15. After moving to Germany in 1998, he performed with renowned bands like Kojo Antwi’s Band, Amakye Dede’s Band, Relatives, and Tropical Vibes. His nine albums delivered timeless hits like ODO MU ANIGYE, FATIA FATA NKRUMAH, SOMGYE, EBEBOAWO, and TEKYERE MA. His smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics won him the Best Male Vocal Artist award at the 2004 Ghana Music Awards UK, and his songs became the heartbeat of Ghanaian life—played at weddings, parties, and quiet evenings at home.
Just a day earlier, on May 15, Dada KD was full of energy. He visited the UK Embassy to secure a visa for a major London performance on May 25, set to share the stage with highlife stars like Obrafour and Slim Buster. His manager said he was thrilled, eager to bring his classics to fans abroad. Radio host Nana Romeo, who joined him at the embassy, was shaken by the sudden turn. “He wasn’t sick,” Romeo said, voice heavy with disbelief. “He was planning for London.”
Tributes flooded in from across Ghana. Gospel singer Empress Gifty posted only his name with tearful emojis, too heartbroken for words. Broda Sammy called him a champion musician, while Serwaa Amihere wrote, This is so sad!!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY while fans on X, shared their sorrow.
Dada KD was never afraid to speak out. He once described Ghanaian musicians as the most miserable in the world, frustrated by a flawed royalty system. In a haunting 2020 Facebook post, he wrote, It won’t be long before I join the late Kofi B and Bishop Bernard Nyarko, reflecting his struggles with the industry. King Pee dismissed rumors of financial troubles or other issues, insisting Dada KD was in good spirits until the end.
He leaves behind five children and a fiancée in the United States. His last performance was at a funeral thanksgiving in Worcester, USA, hosted by Kwame Boadi. As Ghana grieves, Dada KD’s songs fill homes and airwaves, a reminder of a voice that captured love, pain, and joy. His music lives on, forever etched in Ghana’s heart.

Comments

MORE FROM
music

More From 3Music News

Kim Kardashian Breaks Down as She Reveals Kanye West Once Called Her Paris Robbery a “Hoax”
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 4th, 2025

Kim Kardashian Breaks Down as She Reveals Kanye West Once Called Her Paris Robbery a “Hoax”

Kim Kardashian is opening up about one of the most painful moments in her past and the unexpected betrayal that made it even harder to relive.

OliveTheBoy Brings the Heat with The Olive Experience Students Music Festival
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 4th, 2025

OliveTheBoy Brings the Heat with The Olive Experience Students Music Festival

OliveTheBoy is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration for students and young creatives across Ghana with the launch of The Olive Experience Students Music Festival.

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Black Sherif Tops Ghana’s Most Streamed Artistes
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 4th, 2025

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Black Sherif Tops Ghana’s Most Streamed Artistes

Spotify Wrapped 2025 has unveiled Ghana’s top 5 most streamed artistes and leading the pack is Black Sherif, who claims the number one spot after a remarkable year of musical dominance.

Keche Opens Up On Why New Album Has Been Stalled
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 4th, 2025

Keche Opens Up On Why New Album Has Been Stalled

Ghanaian music duo Keche, made up of Andrew and Joshua, joined the Culture Squad on Culture Daily for an honest conversation about their journey, the state of the industry and why fans have waited so long for a second album.

Kaly Jay Reflects on His Influence and Previews Kaly’s House Live
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 4th, 2025

Kaly Jay Reflects on His Influence and Previews Kaly’s House Live

Digital influencer and social voice Kaly Jay made a vibrant appearance on The Culture Daily morning show, where he opened up about his rise, his impact and what fans should look forward to next.

Black Sherif Makes History on Apple Music Ghana Charts
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 3rd, 2025

Black Sherif Makes History on Apple Music Ghana Charts

Ghanaian music sensation Black Sherif has made history as the first Ghanaian artiste to dominate the top 12 spots on the Apple Music Ghana Top Songs chart for 2025.

Burna Boy Steps In to Support Families After Tragic Stockton Shooting
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 3rd, 2025

Burna Boy Steps In to Support Families After Tragic Stockton Shooting

Burna Boy is stepping away from the noise of online controversies to make a meaningful impact where it counts most.

Perez Event 360 Blends Faith and Youth Culture
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 3rd, 2025

Perez Event 360 Blends Faith and Youth Culture

Perez Event 360 is set for Worship Praise Unplugged on December 5th at the Perez Dome, Dzorwulu, bringing together a dynamic mix of faith and youthful energy. The show will feature top gospel icons. The team joined Culture Daily’s Morning Bits to highlight how the event aims to bridge generations through powerful worship and praise.

King Promise Hints at Massive Surprises for Promiseland 2025
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 3rd, 2025

King Promise Hints at Massive Surprises for Promiseland 2025

King Promise has promised crazy surprises at Promiseland 2025. Speaking on Culture Daily, he reflected on his music journey, his collaborations with Mr Eazi and Davido, and his commitment to staying true to his sound.

Jacinta Opens Up On Curating Comedy For Every Demographic
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | December 3rd, 2025

Jacinta Opens Up On Curating Comedy For Every Demographic

Award-winning comedienne Jacinta is closing out the year in grand style as she prepares to host her highly anticipated December comedy special, JACINTA THE 4RUNNER.

Saico and Tainan Join Forces on New Single PRAYERS AND CRYPTOS
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | December 2nd, 2025

Saico and Tainan Join Forces on New Single PRAYERS AND CRYPTOS

Ghanaian artistes Saico and Tainan have teamed up for a brand-new collaboration titled PRAYERS AND CRYPTOS, a record that brings together their distinct styles and perspectives in a fresh musical offering

Rebirth Creative Studio and Digital Plugin to Host 72-Hour Non-Stop Livestream, KALY’S HOUSE in December
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | December 2nd, 2025

Rebirth Creative Studio and Digital Plugin to Host 72-Hour Non-Stop Livestream, KALY’S HOUSE in December

Rebirth Creative Studio, in partnership with Digital Plugin, has announced KALY’S HOUSE, a groundbreaking 72-hour continuous livestream featuring Ghanaian digital influencer KalyJay

More Similar Videos

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper
music,entertainment | Lerny Lomotey | October 27th, 2025

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper