Ghanaian Music Legend Ebo Taylor Passes On at 90

Ghana has lost one of its most celebrated musical icons following the death of legendary highlife and Afrobeat pioneer Ebo Taylor, who passed away at the age of 90.

The news of his death was confirmed by family sources on Sunday, February 8, 2026, sparking an outpouring of tributes from musicians, cultural institutions and music lovers across Ghana, Africa and the global music community.

Born Deroy Ebo Taylor on January 6, 1936, Ebo Taylor was a towering figure in African music whose career spanned over six decades. He played a pivotal role in shaping modern highlife and Afrobeat, blending traditional Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk and soul influences to create a sound that resonated far beyond the continent.

Ebo Taylor began his musical journey in the late 1950s, performing with renowned bands such as the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band. In the 1960s, he traveled to London, where he studied music and collaborated with several African musicians, including Fela Anikulapo Kuti, contributing significantly to the early development of Afrobeat.

Upon returning to Ghana, Taylor became a prolific composer, producer and bandleader, working with top artists and bands while also serving as a musical director for several ensembles. His works often carried strong social and political messages, addressing themes of freedom, unity and African identity.

Although he remained highly respected at home, Ebo Taylor experienced a global resurgence in the 2000s, as international audiences rediscovered his catalog. Albums such as Love and Death, Appia Kwa Bridge and Conflict earned him worldwide acclaim, leading to international tours and collaborations, including projects with the Jazz Is Dead collective.

Ebo Taylor’s contribution to African music is immeasurable. He was not only a gifted guitarist and composer but also a cultural ambassador whose music helped project Ghanaian and African sounds onto the world stage.