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The family of legendary Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat icon Ebo Taylor has announced that his burial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Wesley Methodist Church, Saltpond.
According to the funeral programme released by the family, a private laying in state will take place on Friday, July 31, ahead of the burial service on Saturday. The final funeral rites and thanksgiving service are scheduled for Sunday, August 2, with the thanksgiving service also taking place at Wesley Methodist Church before mourners gather later at Victoria Park, Saltpond, for the final funeral observances.
The announcement was jointly made by the Nsɔna Ebusuapanyin Nana Asobo II, Obaahemaa Nana Saakoa, Obaapanyin Baaba Koufie, the Nsɔna Ebusua of McCarthy Hill, Cape Coast and Saltpond, together with the Ebo Taylor family.
Ebo Taylor passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 90 at the Saltpond Hospital. His death came just a day after the launch of the inaugural Ebo Taylor Festival and only weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday. The news of his passing was officially announced by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).
Born Deroy Taylor on January 6, 1936, in Cape Coast, Ebo Taylor is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential musicians, celebrated for his work as a guitarist, composer, arranger and producer.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat by fusing traditional Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk and soul. His innovative style earned him international recognition and cemented his place among Africa’s greatest musical pioneers.
Taylor first gained prominence with the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band before travelling to London in the 1960s, where he collaborated with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Upon his return to Ghana, he became a sought-after producer and arranger, working with renowned musicians including Pat Thomas and C.K. Mann, while also building a distinguished solo career.
His music enjoyed renewed global acclaim in the 21st century through international reissues, extensive sampling by international artistes and critically acclaimed albums such as Love and Death, Appia Kwa Bridge and Yen Ara. He remained active in music into his late 80s, releasing his final project, Ebo Taylor JID022, in 2025.
The funeral is expected to attract family members, traditional leaders, government officials, musicians, industry stakeholders and admirers from Ghana and abroad, who will gather to celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of one of Africa’s greatest musical icons.
