John Okoro
The music world mourns the loss of Ebo Taylor, the legendary Ghanaian highlife maestro, guitarist, and composer, who passed away at the age of 90.
His family announced his death in a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, though no details regarding the cause were provided.
“Africa has lost a musical titan. Ebo Taylor departed this world yesterday—just one day after the debut of the Ebo Taylor Music Festival and a month following his milestone 90th birthday. His artistic brilliance will forever resonate. @ebo.taylor, your legacy remains eternal,” the tribute read.
Taylor, an architect of contemporary Ghanaian sound, breathed his last on February 7, 2026—coinciding with the eve of his festival launch and weeks after his birthday celebrations.
Over a prolific 60-year career, he masterfully fused Ghanaian folk traditions with jazz, funk, and soul, redefining highlife and influencing Afrobeat’s evolution.
His collaborations spanned generations, from working with Fela Kuti to having his compositions reinterpreted by global stars like Usher and Kelly Rowland.
Condolences have flooded social media, with artists and admirers worldwide honoring his indelible impact. His son, Kweku, hailed him as “Africa’s musical pillar,” while Ghana’s presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu celebrated his “boundary-breaking artistry that transcended continents.”
Terngu Iorfa
