Ebo Taylor: Ghana’s Highlife Pioneer and Afrobeat Trailblazer Dies at 90

By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada 9/2/2026

Ebo Taylor, one of Ghana’s most influential musicians and a pioneer of highlife music, has died at the age of 90. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades and helped shape the sound of modern African music.

Born Deroy Taylor in 1936 in Cape Coast, Ebo Taylor rose to prominence as a guitarist, composer, bandleader and arranger whose work blended traditional Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk and soul influences. His distinctive style not only defined an era of Ghanaian music but also contributed to the development of afrobeat and afro-funk.

A Career That Defined Generations

Ebo Taylor began his professional music journey in the 1950s, at a time when highlife was emerging as Ghana’s dominant popular music. Through the 1960s and 1970s, he became a central figure in the industry, known for his refined compositions, rich arrangements and disciplined musicianship.

His guitar work stood out for its clarity and innovation, often driving songs without overwhelming them. This balance made his music timeless and widely admired by musicians across Africa and beyond.

Influence Beyond Ghana

Taylor’s influence extended far outside Ghana’s borders. He worked with and inspired major African musicians, including figures closely associated with the rise of afrobeat. His music later gained renewed international attention, introducing his sound to global audiences decades after his early recordings.

In the later years of his life, Ebo Taylor continued to release new projects and collaborate with younger artists, proving that his creativity remained strong well into old age.

Honours and Cultural Impact

Beyond commercial success, Ebo Taylor was celebrated for preserving and promoting Ghanaian culture through music. His contributions earned him national recognition, including a state honour for his service to the arts.

Today, his influence can still be heard in highlife, afrobeat and contemporary African music, with many artists drawing inspiration from the foundations he helped establish.

Death and Legacy

Ebo Taylor passed away on February 7, 2026, leaving behind a catalogue of music that continues to educate, inspire and entertain. His death has been widely mourned within Ghana’s creative community and among music lovers worldwide.

Though he is gone, Ebo Taylor’s sound, vision and cultural impact remain deeply woven into the fabric of Ghanaian music history.

READ NEXT: Traditional Fugu Outfit Sparks Lively Ghana–Zambia Debate Online

                      Report Alleges Epstein Hosted Young Guest at Buckingham Palace Dinner With Prince Andrew

                      How Team Canada Compares to Its Rivals at the Winter Olympics