Ebo Taylor, Ghana’s founding father of highlife, has passed away at 90. He was a guitarist, composer, and bandleader who played a key role in shaping modern popular music in West Africa. Taylor’s six-decade career was marked by his unique fusion of traditional Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk, and global influences.
He was born Deroy Taylor in Cape Coast in 1936 and began performing in the 1950s with influential bands like the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band. Taylor’s music gained international recognition, with artists like Usher, the Black Eyed Peas, and Kelly Rowland sampling his work.
Tributes have poured in from across Ghana and the world, with many crediting Taylor with raising the profile of West African music globally. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Ebo” and remained active until his death, performing at festivals and releasing new music.
