Daddy Lumba’s Hit Makes King Charles’ Commonwealth Playlist

Daddy Lumba’s ‘Mpempem Do Me’ Earns Spot on King Charles III’s Commonwealth Day Playlist

Daddy Lumba, a well-known Ghanaian Highlife artist, has become well-known throughout the world after his famous song Mpempem Do Me was included on King Charles III’s official Commonwealth Day playlist. In celebration of Commonwealth Day on March 10, 2025, the unique playlist—which was created in partnership with Apple Music—celebrates the rich cultural legacy of Commonwealth countries. The carefully curated playlist consists of 17 tracks, with Mpempem Do Me, which was first published in 2008, at number seven. The collection includes a wide range of well-known and up-and-coming international performers, including as Grace Jones, Bob Marley, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, and more.

The playlist showcases renowned tracks such as Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley & The Wailers, My Boy Lollipop by Millie Small, The Loco-Motion by Kylie Minogue, and La Vie En Rose by Grace Jones. It also demonstrates varied influences with songs like:

KANTE – Davido (Nigeria) ft. Fave

Anta Permana – Siti Nurhaliza (Malaysia)

The Click Song (Qongqothwane) – Miriam Makeba (South Africa)

E Te Iwi E (Call to the People) – Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (New Zealand)

Crazy in Love – Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z (USA)

One of Ghana’s most renowned Highlife performers, Daddy Lumba has a catalog of over 34 albums and a decades-long musical career. Since its release four years ago, Mpempem Do Me, which combines storytelling with a fluid lyrical delivery, has received over 1.4 million views on his official YouTube channel. His addition to King Charles’ Commonwealth playlist solidifies his reputation worldwide and elevates Ghanaian highlife music to a global level.

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

USEFUL LINKS