Ebo Taylor, pioneer of Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat influence, dies aged 90

Ebo Taylor, one of Ghana’s most influential musicians and a central figure in the development of highlife music, has died at the age of 90, according to a statement from his family. Born Deroy Taylor in Cape Coast in 1936, he emerged as a key musical voice in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a period when highlife became Ghana’s most prominent popular music style. As a guitarist, composer and band leader, Taylor was known for his distinctive guitar sound, sophisticated arrangements and ability to blend tradition with innovation.

During his early career, Taylor played with leading bands such as the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band, quickly building a reputation as a creative force within Ghana’s music scene. In the early 1960s, he travelled to London to study music, a formative experience that broadened his artistic outlook. While in the UK, he collaborated with other African musicians, including Nigerian artist Fela Kuti. These exchanges are now widely seen as influential in the early development of Afrobeat, with Taylor’s highlife foundations playing a significant role in shaping the genre.

Upon returning to Ghana, Taylor became a highly sought-after band leader, arranger and producer, working with respected artists such as Pat Thomas and CK Mann. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he fused Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk, soul and early Afrobeat, helping his music reach far beyond West Africa.

Although he spent periods later in life teaching at the University of Ghana and working behind the scenes, Taylor experienced a major resurgence in global recognition over the last 25 years. Albums such as Love & Death, Appia Kwa Bridge and Yen Ara introduced his work to new international audiences. His influence also extended into hip-hop and R&B, with his music sampled by artists including Usher, the Black Eyed Peas and Rapsody. Taylor is remembered as a foundational figure whose work continues to shape African and global popular music.