Ghana will bid farewell to legendary highlife musician Ebo Taylor, who will be laid to rest on Saturday, 1 August 2026, in his hometown of Saltpond following a remarkable music career that spanned more than 60 years.
Funeral arrangements include a private laying-in-state on Friday, 31 July, ahead of a burial service at Wesley Methodist Church in Saltpond. He will later be interred at Victoria Park.
Widely regarded as one of the architects of Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat, Ebo Taylor played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s music industry and left an enduring mark on African music. His distinctive fusion of highlife, jazz, funk, and Afrobeat earned him admiration both at home and abroad.
Over the years, Taylor collaborated with some of Africa’s most respected musicians, including Pat Thomas, C.K. Mann, and Fela Kuti. He also mentored and influenced numerous artistes, helping to shape the careers of future generations of musicians.
His influence extended far beyond the African continent, with his music being sampled by internationally acclaimed artistes such as Usher, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Rowland, Jidenna, Vic Mensa, and Rapsody.
As family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans prepare to celebrate his life, Ebo Taylor leaves behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire artistes across Ghana, Africa, and the world. His timeless sound and groundbreaking contributions to highlife and Afrobeat will remain an important part of Ghana’s cultural heritage for generations to come.
