Ghanaian highlife legend Ebo Taylor dies at 90
Renowned Ghanaian highlife musician, guitarist, and composer, Ebo Taylor is dead. He was aged 90. Taylor’s family confirmed his passing on Sunday through a post shared on his official Instagram
Renowned Ghanaian highlife musician, guitarist, and composer, Ebo Taylor is dead.
He was aged 90.
Taylor’s family confirmed his passing on Sunday through a post shared on his official Instagram page, without disclosing the cause of death.
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“The world has lost a giant. A colossus of African music. Ebo Taylor passed away yesterday; a day after the launch of Ebo Taylor Music Festival and exactly a month after his 90th birthday, leaving behind an unmatched artistry legacy. @ebo.taylor your light will never fade", the post read.
Taylor, widely regarded as a pioneer of modern Ghanaian music, died on Saturday, February 7, 2026, just a day after the launch of the Ebo Taylor Music Festival and a month after celebrating his 90th birthday.
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Taylor's music career spanned over six decades, during which he blended traditional Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk, and soul influences, shaping the sound of highlife and Afrobeat music.
He collaborated with notable artists, including Fela Kuti, and his work was sampled by international artists such as Usher and Kelly Rowland.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with musicians and fans alike mourning the loss of a musical legend.
Taylor's son, Kweku, described him as a "colossus of African music," while Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo's spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, characterized him as a "legend" whose contribution to music has created worldwide ripples.
