Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician Yaw Sarpong has passed away after a period of illness. He reportedly died at the Emena Hospital in Kumasi, where he had been receiving medical care.
The news of his death was confirmed by close family sources and friends in the creative arts industry, including sound engineer Fred Kyei Mensah, popularly known as Fredyma, who announced the loss in a Facebook post.
Yaw Sarpong was a pioneer of contemporary gospel music in Ghana and the longtime leader of the Asomafo Gospel Band, with which he produced numerous timeless classics. His work earned him widespread admiration within the Christian community and the music industry, and many younger gospel artistes credit him as a major influence on their careers.
His passing comes barely a month after the death of Maame Tiwaa, a key member of the Asomafo group, deepening the sense of loss within the gospel music fraternity.
In recognition of his decades-long contribution to gospel music, Yaw Sarpong received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards in 2025.
Tributes have since been pouring in from fans, colleagues and industry players, celebrating a life devoted to faith and music. In his tribute, Fred Kyei Mensah wrote: “Rest well Yaw Sarpong. You did your best for the Gospel Industry. I have known you for the past 48 years… Your death is a big blow as we are also mourning Maame Tiwaa whom you sang with for almost 50 years. Rest well Agya Yaw.”
