Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats musician Ebo Taylor, a pivotal figure in the development of both genres, died on , at the age of 90. The news was announced by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and organizers of the recently launched Ebo Taylor Music Festival, known as EBOFEST.
Born on , in Cape Coast, Ghana, Taylor’s career spanned decades, beginning in the early 1960s. He initially gained prominence playing with bands like the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band before forming his own group, the Black Star Highlife Band. This band became a crucial platform for his musical explorations and collaborations.
Taylor’s influence extends beyond Ghana’s borders, notably through his collaborations with Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. This partnership, forged in the 1960s, highlights the cross-cultural fertilization that characterized the early development of both highlife and Afrobeat. He also worked with other highlife legends such as CK Mann and Pat Thomas, solidifying his position as a central figure in the West African music scene.
While Taylor’s music was widely appreciated within Africa for decades, his work experienced a resurgence in global popularity more recently, driven by sampling by prominent international artists. Musicians like Usher, The Black Eyed Peas, and Kelly Rowland have incorporated elements of Taylor’s compositions into their own tracks, introducing his sound to a new generation of listeners. This renewed interest underscores the enduring quality and adaptability of his music.
Taylor’s musical style is characterized by its intricate guitar work, complex arrangements, and a distinctive blend of highlife rhythms with elements of jazz, funk, and Afrobeat. He wasn’t simply a performer. he was a prolific composer, bandleader, record producer, and arranger, demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of the music production process. His ability to seamlessly integrate diverse musical influences contributed to the unique sound that defined his career.
In 2010, Taylor released his first internationally distributed album, Love and Death
, on Strut Records. This release marked a turning point in his career, bringing his music to a wider global audience. He followed this with Appia Kwa Bridge
in 2012 and Yen Ara
in 2018, further cementing his international reputation. These albums showcased his continued creativity and relevance in the contemporary music landscape.
The launch of the Ebo Taylor Music Festival just one day before his death, on , serves as a poignant testament to his lasting legacy. The festival was intended to celebrate his life and music, and its timing underscores the profound impact he had on the Ghanaian music industry and beyond. A statement released on his official social media accounts described him as a giant. A colossus of African music
, adding that your light will never fade.
Taylor’s passing represents a significant loss for the world of African music. His contributions to the evolution of highlife and Afrobeat are immeasurable, and his influence will continue to be felt by musicians and music lovers for generations to come. He leaves behind an unmatched artistry legacy
, as described in the statement announcing his death, and a body of work that will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
He passed away at the Saltpond Hospital, according to MUSIGA. The outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians on social media demonstrates the widespread respect and admiration he commanded throughout his career. Netizens have been sharing tributes, describing him as a legend
and acknowledging the rest earned and deserved
after a lifetime dedicated to music.
