Ghana and the world are mourning the passing of Ebo Taylor, the legendary Ghanaian guitarist, composer and highlife pioneer, who died on February 7, 2026, at the age of 90. His family confirmed the news through his official social media channels and statements from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), noting that he passed away at Saltpond Hospital in the Central Region.
Born Deroy Taylor in Cape Coast on January 6, 1936, Ebo Taylor’s musical journey spanned more than six decades, during which he helped shape the sound of modern Ghanaian highlife and influenced generations of African and global artists.
Taylor rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, performing with influential highlife bands such as The Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band. He later travelled to London, where he studied music and collaborated with notable African artists, including Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, a partnership that helped bridge Ghanaian highlife and the burgeoning Afrobeat sound.
Over his long career, Taylor blended traditional Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk, soul and Afrobeat, creating a signature style that distinguished him as both an innovator and a custodian of Ghana’s musical heritage. He worked as an arranger, producer and bandleader, contributing to recordings for prominent artists and leading ensembles that showcased his distinctive guitar work and rich arrangements.
In later years, his music gained renewed international attention. Albums such as Love & Death, Appia Kwa Bridge and Yen Ara introduced his sound to global audiences, while his compositions were sampled by international artists, bringing his legacy into contemporary music through collaborations and reinterpretations.
News of Taylor’s passing triggered an outpouring of tributes from musicians, fans and cultural commentators, many reflecting on his role as a foundational figure in Ghanaian music whose influence extended far beyond the country’s borders. MUSIGA described him as a “great son” of Ghana whose artistry left an indelible mark on the music world.
Ebo Taylor’s death comes just one day after launching the Ebo Taylor Music Festival, an event celebrating his life and work, and about a month after he celebrated his 90th birthday, underscoring his enduring connection with music and culture until his final days.
His legacy will continue through his extensive body of work and the many artists he inspired across decades of performance, composition and production.
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