Ghanaians mourn as legendary highlife musician Nana Ampadu reported dead

A big loss has hit the Ghanaian music industry as news of the death of legendary highlife musician Nana Ampadu becomes known.

He is said to have passed away in the early hours of September 28, 2021. Nana Ampadu was 76 years old.

According to preliminary reports, the news was put out in public by the musician’s grandson who was speaking to Accra-based Hitz FM.

It was also reported that the ‘Ade Aye Me’ hitmaker had been ill for some months now.

Before his death, Nana Kwame Ampadu worked with several of the new crop of artistes. He supported Kumi Guitar’s first hit at Zylofon Music, titled “Dream.”

He even made a cameo appearance in the official music video for “Dream.” A few months ago, Sarkodie shared a new single he had recorded with the legend. The song is yet to be released .

Nana Ampadu is a composer, guitarist and singer who is known for his brilliant storytelling skills through highlife music.

Born at Obo-Kwahu in the Eastern Region, Kwame Ampadu formed the famous African Brothers band in 1963.

Regarded as ‘King of Highlife’, Nana Ampadu is known for many hit songs like “Ebi Ti Yie,” “Aku Sika,” “Kofi Nkrabea,” “Obiaa Ba Nnye,” “Woyoo Woyoo,” “Mother,” “Mentumi Ngyae Wo,” “Agartha,” “Aye Se Ye Do Wo,” “Obra,” “Drivers,” “Anibere Nnye,” “Oman Bo Adwo,” and “Kwaata.”

Nana Ampadu also groomed and produced albums in the mid-to-late 1980s for female singers like Mum B, Akosua Agyapong, Abena Nyanteh, Ama Oforiwah, Rita Owusu and Stella Tackie.