Ghana mourns highlife legend KK Kabobo

The deceased reportedly died at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, where he sought medical assistance.

News of the musician’s health deterioration surfaced late last month, courtesy of local broadcaster Barima Kaakyire Agyemang, who shared footage on Facebook to highlight Kabobo’s condition. Agyemang urged for financial support for the musician, saying his family had incurred significant expenses in seeking treatment for the singer.

“Even though talking was a challenge for Kabobo, he managed to communicate with me,” Agyeman added. “He shared with me that he has been feeling unwell for some time, experiencing sharp pain around his right abdomen. Seeking medical attention, he went to the hospital where he underwent various diagnoses. Initially, they suspected it might be an ulcer, but later, they could not pinpoint the exact problem. After thorough investigations, the results revealed an issue with his liver.”

Following the appeal, various individuals and bodies made donations, including the Ghana Music Rights Organisation, singer Wendy Shay, Ghana’s former president John Dramani Mahama and the country’s second lady Samira Bawumia.

The news of Kabobo’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, industry insiders and fans alike.

Kabobo, born Kwabena Kwakye Kabobo, is best known for songs like ‘Onyame Ehu Wo,’ ‘Nyatse Nyatse Girl,’ and ‘Running Away’. Prior to his music career, he worked as a teacher at New Edubiase Methodist Primary School in 1976 and honed his music skills with renowned bands such as Sidiku Buari Express, Ampofo Aburi, and Michaels Band for about 18 months before embarking on a solo path. Alongside his solo journey, he provided backing for esteemed artists like Nana Kwame Ampadu, Akosua Agyapong, Kofi Sammy, and Dr Paa Bobo.

Establishing his first band, Explosive Jets, in 1978, he went on to release his debut album Nyatse Nyatse Girl in 1981. Other collections from the artist include My Sweetheart and Medze Ama Jah.

A former welfare officer for the Musicians Union of Ghana and board member of the organisation’s copyright management team, he was ordained as a reverend minister in April 2012.