Ghanaian music legends whose deaths were followed by controversies

Death, they say, is the final resting place; a moment when all struggles are meant to end. But in Ghana, that has not always been the reality for the families of some legendary musicians.

For a few of these legends, their passing marked the beginning of turmoils, rather than closure.

There have been property disputes, women stepping forward with children they claim were fathered by the deceased, and even clashes over funeral dates, turning moments of mourning into public battles.

Instead of peace, their loved ones have had to navigate controversies, courtroom visits, and confusion long after the music stopped.

Here are three Ghanaian music legends whose deaths were followed by controversies upon their passing:

Ronnie Coaches

Ronnie Quainoo Coaches, one-half of the Hiplife duo Buk Bak, died on November 21, 2013, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. He was 36.

Shortly after his passing, a woman identified as Ophelia granted interviews claiming she was his legal wife.

Around the same time, a New York-based woman named Cynthia also surfaced with a similar claim.

Gifty later appeared, stating she had a son with the late musician, while Priscilla Nyarko also claimed to have had a child with him.

Reports suggested that Ronnie Coaches had about four children with different women, although his mother declined to confirm this in an interview.

He was laid in state on January 31, 2014, at the National Theatre and buried the next day at the Osu Cemetery.

Daasebre Gyamenah

Daasebre Gyamenah died on July 29, 2016, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

Following his death, disagreements emerged within his family over where he should be buried.

One side wanted him laid to rest in his mother’s hometown, Anomabo, while another preferred Koforidua, where he had lived most of his life.

The faction advocating for burial at Anomabo secured a court injunction to halt the funeral after the other side allegedly refused to release his body.

Although he had one officially recognised wife, several women also publicly claimed to have been in long-term relationships with him, with some saying they had children with him.

This deepened disputes over inheritance, funeral roles and burial decisions.

Years after his burial on November 26, 2016, in Anomabo, reports indicated that his wife and children did not attend the funeral.

Daddy Lumba

After Highlife legend Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, disagreements arose over funeral arrangements, his legal wife, and where and when he should be buried.

The Kumasi High Court eventually recognised two wives: Akosua Serwaa and Odo Broni as surviving spouses of the late singer.

Amid the uncertainty, his immediate family, led by his elder sister Ernestina Fosu, attempted to block the funeral until outstanding issues were resolved.

However, the family head, Kofi Owusu did not support that decision.

After months of legal back and forth, Daddy Lumba was finally buried on December 13, 2025, in Kumasi, with his final funeral rites held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Nana Agradaa arrives at Heaven Way Champions Church after 8 months in prison



AK/AE