Ebo Taylor

Ebo Taylor (born "Deroy Taylor") (1936–2026) was a pioneering Ghanaian guitarist, composer, bandleader, and producer, recognized as a towering figure in African highlife and Afrobeat music. With a career spanning over six decades, he was instrumental in blending traditional Ghanaian highlife with jazz and funk, influencing African music since the 1960s. Active in influential bands like the Stargazers and Broadway Dance Band in the 1960s. He later created his own unique sound with bands such as the Apagya Show Band and Uhuru-Yenzu. He worked alongside Fela Kuti in London during the 1960s and was a prolific producer for artists like Pat Thomas and C.K. Mann. Signature Sound: Known for combining Fante traditional music, jazz, and Afrobeat, resulting in a funky, guitar-driven sound. Experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 2000s, often referred to as "Uncle Ebo," with works featured on labels like Strut Records. Taylor continued to make music well into his later years and was a key teacher of highlife and jazz guitar at the University of Ghana.