Yaw Sarpong was a celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician, songwriter and bandleader whose influence helped define contemporary indigenous gospel music in Ghana and across West Africa for more than four decades. He was the founder and lead vocalist of the iconic Yaw Sarpong & Asomafo band, and his music, ministry, and legacy left an enduring impact on countless listeners and worshippers.
Early Life and Background
Yaw Sarpong was born in Accra, Ghana. He grew up during a turbulent period in Ghana’s political history; his father served as a Member of Parliament during the era of President Kwame Nkrumah, and was later imprisoned and died after a coup, prompting Sarpong’s family to relocate to Akyease for safety. It was in Akyease that his musical talents began to emerge and set him on a path toward gospel ministry.
Sarpong also worked in ordinary jobs earlier in life, including a period as a taxi driver, before fully committing to music.
Musical Career and the Asomafo Band
Sarpong’s ministry began in the early 1970s, performing and singing in Christian music circles, and he quickly became known for his distinctive voice and passionate delivery rooted in deep faith. In 1986, he founded the Asomafo Band (the word Asomafo means “messengers” in Twi) while he was in Liberia, initially with members drawn from Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, making the group one of the first truly multinational gospel ensembles in the region. The band later returned to Ghana and rose to prominence in the 1990s.
Under Sarpong’s leadership, Asomafo became one of Ghana’s most beloved and enduring gospel groups. The band became known for blending traditional Ghanaian rhythms and harmonies with spiritually uplifting Christian lyrics, creating a style that resonated with both church congregations and general audiences.
Throughout his career, Sarpong recorded more than 25 albums and over 100 songs. Many of his tracks became gospel classics and continue to be sung and played in churches and Christian gatherings. Notable songs include “Oko Yi,” “Wo Haw Ne Sεn,” “Yenka Kyere Agya,” “Aduro Yesu,” “Tie Obiaa,” and “Awurade Kasa.”
Artistry and Influence
Sarpong’s music was characterized by soulful delivery, rich vocal harmonies, and spiritually deep lyrics attuned to Christian teachings. He was widely regarded as a pioneer of contemporary Akan gospel music, creating a unique blend of tradition and modern inspiration that influenced generations of gospel artists.
Beyond recordings, Sarpong and his band performed extensively within Ghana and internationally. His work with Asomafo included collaborations with other artists and participation in peace songs and community-focused music initiatives that sought to unify and inspire audiences.
Awards and Recognition
Yaw Sarpong’s contributions to Ghanaian music were recognized with numerous awards and honours over his long career:
- In 1999, he won the Best Gospel Album award from the Entertainment Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana (ECRAG).
- In 2017, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Sacred Music by the Ecclesiastical Bishop Leaders Conference of Africa (EBLCA), affiliated with Kayiwa International University in Uganda, in recognition of his immense contributions to gospel music.
- In 2025, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards for his decades of dedication and service to the gospel music industry.
Social Initiatives and The Prison Project
Beyond music, Sarpong was committed to social causes. In 2017, he launched “The Prison Project,” a rehabilitation initiative aimed at transforming lives within Ghana’s prison system through music, spiritual counseling, and talent development. The project included a partnership with the Ghana Prison Service to establish music centers in prison facilities, helping inmates discover and develop musical talents as part of their rehabilitation.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Sarpong continued to influence and mentor younger artists, remaster classic hits and update his music with modern visuals and engagement strategies, and remain active in gospel ministry even as he contended with health challenges. His longtime colleague and vocalist Maame Tiwaa, a key figure in the Asomafo ensemble, passed away in December 2025 after decades of ministry alongside him.
Yaw Sarpong died on 20 January 2026 after a period of ill health, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that will continue to inspire believers and music lovers for generations. His death was confirmed by his manager and mourned widely across Ghana’s gospel music community.
Sarpong’s influence extends beyond his recordings, as his music helped shape Ghana’s gospel soundscape, and his ministry provided hope, worship, and a spiritually grounded message for audiences across Africa and the diaspora.
Notable Songs and Albums
Among his most beloved works are songs that have become gospel standards in Ghana, cherished for their messages of faith, comfort and resilience:
- Wo Haw Ne Sεn
- Oko Yi
- Yenka Kyere Agya
- Aduro Yesu
- Tie Obiaa
- Awurade Kasa
Yaw Sarpong is widely regarded as a trailblazer whose blend of traditional rhythms, indigenous language, and gospel message set a foundation for contemporary gospel music in Ghana. His career helped bridge devotional music with cultural resonance, inspiring artists and worshippers alike.