Ghana mourns death of producer Eyoh Soundboy

The news of Eyoh Soundboy’s death was confirmed by his wife Aisha Yussif on Hitz FM today. It follows the musician’s announcement via social media last year that he needed a new kidney urgently.

The news has been met with an outpouring of grief from the Ghanaian music fraternity.

“Journey Well, Eyoh Soundboy,” reggae singer David Oscar wrote on Twitter. “You were a kind person. How can I forget you?”

Born Philip Brown, Eyoh Soundboy was behind popular local songs including Dr Slim’s ‘Seke’ featuring Dobble, and ‘Sokode’ by Keche. He was also the CEO of Brainworkz Entertainment, and worked with artists such as Gasmilla, Epixode, Kofi Kinaata, Kwaw Kese and Mr Eazi, among others.

Throughout Eyoh’s battle with renal disease, the beatmaker and his wife had made attempts to raise funds for his treatment. He was supported by other artists, most notably, rapper D-Black, who started similar campaigns to raise money for his treatment.

“The cost of this treatment is really high,” D-Black said. “We say we have music bodies that are governing what we do as artists and producers. GHAMRO, MUSIGA, and even the Ministry of Tourism. I think it should be very easy for you guys to take up [the cost]. He’s been a music producer for years. Please look into this, this is not somebody’s rent, this is somebody’s life I’m one person, there’s little I could do.”

Speaking on Hitz FM following the sad news, musician and radio pundit Mr Logic bemoaned the absence of welfare structures for Ghanaian musicians, urging producers to take their welfare into their own hands.

“I am using Eyoh Soundboy’s passing to call on producers to charge artists more. Charge more and save more,” he said.