Legendary Ghanaian highlife musician, George Darko, has reportedly passed on at a private hospital in Accra, the capital of the West African country.
Darko who was one of the pioneers of highlife music in Ghana and was credited with creating the “Burger Highlife”, reportedly died “peacefully” on Wednesday morning, according to a family member.
Darko who was also a renowned guitarist, vocalist, composer and songwriter, was a popular music icon in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, while his songs were some of the most timeless and enduring highlife tracks in Ghana’s music circles.
“Often referred to as the King of Burger Highlife, Darko was an amazing guitarist and vocalist who brought a contemporary sensitivity to highlife music since the early1980s,” a Ghanaian media platform wrote as part of a citation on the late icon.
“As a youngster, he learned traditional dancing and drumming. King Darko was an enigma who, despite continuing to be exposed to traditional music, was enchanted by the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix.
“He recorded and released his first solo cassette, ‘The Reborn Avengers’ which was renowned for his unique guitar beats.
“He settled in Germany, where he helped to form the Bus Stop Band. By their third album, he became the group’s lead vocalist. When the band disbanded in 1988, he continued to perform as a soloist.
“His ‘Akoo te Brofo’ single remains a masterpiece and he is currently featured on the ‘Kings of Highlife’ compilation album.
“In his private life, Darko was the Tufuhene of Akropong with the stool name, Nana Apem Darko I.”