Family, music icons bid farewell to highlife legend Ebo Taylor in Saltpond

Family, friends, musicians and dignitaries gathered in Saltpond in the Central Region on Saturday, August 1, to bid a final farewell to legendary Ghanaian highlife musician Ebo Taylor, whose remarkable career helped shape highlife and Afrobeat music across Africa and beyond.

The final funeral rites followed a wake-keeping held at the late musician's residence on Friday.

The day began with a burial service at the Wesley Methodist Church in Saltpond, where hundreds of mourners filled the church to celebrate the life and legacy of the music icon.

The emotional service was marked by moments of reflection and celebration. Family members were overcome with emotion as dancing pallbearers carried Ebo Taylor's casket to the hearse in their trademark style.

After the church service, mourners moved to Victoria Park in Saltpond for a celebration of the musician's life.

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The event featured live performances of some of Ebo Taylor's greatest songs, with highlife legends Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Pat Thomas, as well as reggae star Rocky Dawuni, taking to the stage to honour a man they described as a mentor, brother and inspiration.

Traditional rulers, royals and several dignitaries also attended the funeral, including renowned legal practitioner Tsatsu Tsikata, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority Abeiku Santana, officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and a delegation from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

Born Deroy Taylor, Ebo Taylor enjoyed a music career spanning more than six decades, earning global recognition for blending highlife with Afrobeat, jazz and funk.

He worked with some of Ghana's biggest music legends and collaborated with Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti during his time in London, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence musicians around the world.

Ebo Taylor died on 7 February 2026 at the age of 90 in Saltpond, Ghana. His death was announced by his family the following day, with tributes pouring in from across Ghana and the international music community.

The legendary guitarist, composer and producer was celebrated as one of the pioneers of Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat, with a career spanning more than six decades.

As music filled Victoria Park and mourners danced to his timeless classics, the atmosphere reflected not only the grief of losing a legend but also the celebration of a life that transformed Ghanaian music.

ID/AM