Legendary Ghanaian Musician Ebo Taylor Passes Away at 90

Mon Feb 09 2026 00:55:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ebo Taylor, an iconic figure in highlife music and a major influence on generations of African musicians, has died at 90. His contributions shaped the genre and left a lasting legacy.

Ebo Taylor, a revered highlife musician from Ghana, has passed away at the age of 90. Known for fusing traditional Ghanaian rhythms with various music styles, his work significantly influenced highlife and Afrobeat. Over a career spanning six decades, his music resonated globally, with contemporary artists sampling his tracks. His death marks a tremendous loss to the music industry, as tributes pour in honoring his impactful contributions.

Legendary Ghanaian Musician Ebo Taylor Passes Away at 90

Ebo Taylor, the Ghanaian guitarist, composer and band leader whose work helped define the highlife genre and influenced generations of African musicians, has died at the age of 90, his family has announced.

Born Deroy Taylor in the city of Cape Coast in 1936, he rose to prominence during the late 1950s and early 1960s as highlife became Ghana's dominant musical form. He played with leading bands of the era, including the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band, carving out a reputation for his unique guitar style and intricate arrangements.

Over a career that spanned six decades, Taylor effectively fused Ghanaian rhythms with elements of jazz, funk, soul, and early Afrobeat, inspiring musicians across the globe.

In the last 25 years of his life, Taylor’s work saw a resurgence in global recognition with tracks like Love & Death capturing the attention of new audiences. His formative years in music included a significant period in London in the early 1960s, where he worked alongside other influential figures, including Nigerian artist Fela Kuti. This cooperation is viewed as a key component in the evolution of Afrobeat.

After returning to Ghana, Taylor became a much sought-after band leader and producer, collaborating with distinguished talents like Pat Thomas and CK Mann. He was known for embracing innovation while maintaining a strong connection to traditional music.

In recent years, his music inspired many international artists, as several of his songs have been sampled in hip-hop and R&B tracks, connecting him with new generations of fans worldwide.

Reflecting on his late-life success, he once remarked, I think I've had my day, though it came much later.”

Tributes from the music community highlight his impact, with fellow Ghanaian music producer Panji Anoff recalling Taylor's humility and accessibility, while singer Black Sherif emphasized the far-reaching effects of Taylor's music.

Ebo Taylor's unparalleled contributions to music, bridging traditional and modern sounds, ensure his legacy will resonate within the fabric of African popular music for generations to come.