Ghanaian highlife legend Ebo Taylor dies at 90
Ghanaian highlife legend Ebo Taylor has died at the age of 90, marking the end of a remarkable era in African music. His death was confirmed by family sources and close associates, who said the iconic musician passed away peacefully after a lifetime dedicated to shaping highlife and Afro-funk sounds that resonated far beyond Ghana’s borders.
Ebo Taylor was widely regarded as one of the pioneers who modernised highlife music by blending it with jazz, funk, and soul influences. Beginning his career in the 1950s, he played a key role in Ghana’s musical renaissance after independence, using his art to reflect social realities and African identity. His compositions were known for their rich horn arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and strong rhythmic foundations, which later inspired generations of musicians across Africa and the global diaspora.
Over the decades, Taylor worked with several prominent bands and artists, gaining renewed international recognition in the 2000s when his earlier recordings were rediscovered by younger audiences and sampled by contemporary producers. His music enjoyed global acclaim, with performances at major festivals and praise from international critics who described him as a master composer and cultural ambassador for Ghanaian music.
Tributes have poured in from musicians, cultural institutions, and fans across Africa and beyond, celebrating his lasting impact on highlife and Afrobeat. Many described him as a mentor whose work laid the foundation for modern African popular music and whose legacy will continue to influence artists for generations.
Ebo Taylor’s passing is a significant loss to Ghana and the wider African music community. He is remembered not only for his timeless music but also for his role in preserving and evolving African sound traditions during a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
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