Afrobeat Academy presents: a Tribute to Ebo Taylor

Berlin’s own Afrobeat Academy has been at the forefront of the international Afrobeat and Highlife revival since its founding in 2005. In 2008, saxophonist Ben Abarbanel-Wolff met legendary Ghanaian guitarist and composer Ebo Taylor in Accra, Ghana. Born in 1936, Ebo Taylor had been a defining force in Ghanaian highlife since the 1960s before entering a period of relative obscurity after 1983.

Their collaboration would prove transformative, leading to the release of the now-iconic 2010 album Love and Death and 2012’s Appia Kwa Bridge. From 2011 to 2016, Ebo Taylor and Afrobeat Academy toured extensively around the world, helping introduce his music to a new generation and firmly establishing his global legacy.

Following Ebo Taylor’s passing in 2026 at the age of 90, Afrobeat Academy reunites at the  XJAZZ! Weekender for a unique tribute celebrating the life and music of one of Ghana’s greatest musical visionaries.

LINEUP:

Ekow Alabi Savage - drums and vocals

Eric Owusu - drums and vocals

Kalle Zeier - guitar

Arenor Anuku -guitar

Yannick Nolting - bass

Mauricio Fleury -organ

Ben Abarbanel-Wolff - tenor saxophone

Christoph Titz - trumpet

Live at Festsaal Kreuzberg
May 29th, 2026

Doors: 22:00