- They noted that his death came just a day after the launch of the Ebo Taylor Music Festival
- Widely celebrated as one of the architects of modern Ghanaian music, Taylor was instrumental in shaping highlife
- Following the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from across the world
Veteran Ghanaian highlife icon, guitarist and composer Ebo Taylor has passed away at the age of 90.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that his family confirmed the development on Sunday via a statement shared on his official Instagram page, though no details were given about the cause of death.
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Announcing his passing, the family described Taylor as a towering figure in African music whose influence transcended generations.
They noted that his death came just a day after the launch of the Ebo Taylor Music Festival and exactly one month after he marked his 90th birthday.
“The world has lost a giant. A true colossus of African music. Ebo Taylor passed away yesterday, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of sound and creativity. His light will never fade,” the statement read.
Ebo Taylor reportedly died on Saturday, February 7, 2026, closing the chapter on a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades.
Widely celebrated as one of the architects of modern Ghanaian music, Taylor was instrumental in shaping highlife and Afrobeat by fusing traditional Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk and soul. His innovative sound helped redefine African music on the global stage.
Over the years, he worked with legendary figures such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, while his compositions were later sampled by international stars including Usher and Kelly Rowland, further cementing his global impact.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from across the world. His son, Kweku Taylor, described him as a monumental force in African music, while Ghana’s presidency, through spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, hailed him as a legend whose work left lasting ripples far beyond the continent.
Ebo Taylor is remembered not only for his groundbreaking music, but for a legacy that helped carry African sounds to the world.
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