Ebo Taylor, the legendary Ghanaian musician, has passed away at the age of 90. He died on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Saltpond Hospital, just one day after launching the Ebo Taylor Music Festival and a month after celebrating his 90th birthday.
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) confirmed his death, with president Bessa Simons stating, “Ghana and indeed the world has lost a great son.” In its tribute, MUSIGA added, “Uncle Ebo Taylor, rest in perfect peace.”
Fans and musicians worldwide are mourning Taylor’s passing, hailing him as a pivotal figure who helped put West African music on the global map. His influence will continue to resonate through his music and the generations of artists he inspired.
Born Deroy Taylor on January 6, 1936, in Cape Coast, he was a master guitarist, composer, bandleader, and producer whose career spanned more than six decades. Taylor played a foundational role in shaping highlife and Afrobeat music in Ghana and beyond.
His signature sound blended traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and soul. Taylor rose to prominence in the late 1950s with the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band and later collaborated with Fela Kuti in London. Some of his acclaimed works include Love and Death (2008), Appia Kwa Bridge (2012), and Yen Ara (2018). His music has been sampled by international artists, including Usher.
MUSIGA’s tribute called Taylor “Saltpond’s light … Ghana’s legend … the world’s icon,” highlighting his remarkable career, during which he formed and led over a dozen bands, culminating with his final ensemble, the Ebo Taylor and Family Band.
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