- A colossus of African music, Ebo Taylor, has died at 90 years old.
The global music community is in mourning following the passing of Ebo Taylor, the legendary Ghanaian guitarist, composer, and arranger who redefined the sounds of Highlife and Afrobeat.
The “Colossus of African Music” passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, leaving behind a monumental legacy that spanned over seven decades. His death was officially confirmed by his son, Kweku Taylor.
In a poignant twist of fate, the maestro’s passing comes exactly one month after he celebrated his milestone 90th birthday on January 7 and just twenty-four hours after the grand launch of the inaugural Ebo Taylor Music Festival—an event designed to honour his life’s work while he was still among us.
Ebo Taylor’s Instagram page has also confirmed the news with the post below.
A Life in Rhythm
Born in 1936, Ebo Taylor was a pivotal figure in the golden age of Ghanaian music. Alongside his contemporary and close friend, the late Fela Kuti, Taylor was instrumental in the creative explosion of the 1970s, blending traditional Ghanaian Fante rhythms with Western jazz and funk to create a signature sound that was both sophisticated and infectious.
As the lead guitarist and arranger for influential bands like the Stargazers and the Broadway Band, Taylor became a cornerstone of the Highlife movement. His 1977 album Twer Nyame remains a seminal work, often cited by DJs and producers worldwide as a blueprint for African fusion.
A Global Renaissance
While many of his peers faded into obscurity, Ebo Taylor experienced a massive global resurgence in the late 2000s. Partnering with labels like Strut Records, he released critically acclaimed albums such as Love and Death (2010) and Appia Kwa Bridge (2012).
These releases introduced his genius to a new generation of listeners, leading to performances on some of the world’s biggest stages, from Glastonbury to Coachella. His music has been sampled by international hip-hop artists and remains a staple in the crates of world music enthusiasts.
