Ever wondered about the life and journey of celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician Yaw Sarpong?
With a career spanning over four decades, here are some key highlights of his life following his death on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
1. Born in Accra to a Member of Parliament, Yaw Sarpong’s education was disrupted when his father died in 1966 after being imprisoned during the overthrow of Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
2. After his father’s death, economic challenges forced his mother to relocate the family to Akyease in Kumasi, where Yaw Sarpong traces his roots.
3. Driven by his love for music, he joined the Methodist singing group at Asuofua in the Ashanti Region. It was there that a medical doctor discovered him and formed a music group in 1971, performing mainly in churches and at social events.
4. During one such performance at Asuase in Kumasi, a pastor noticed his talent and offered to support him. Yaw Sarpong accepted the offer and stayed with the pastor.
5. At another church programme, he caught the attention of Professor Kofi Abraham, who also took interest in his future and offered him guidance and support.
6. In 1984, he left Professor Abraham and returned to Accra, where he worked as a taxi driver for nearly two years, between 1984 and 1986.
7. He later travelled to Liberia, where he formed the group Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo in 1986.
8. The group was made up of musicians from Liberia, Ghana and Sierra Leone, giving it a diverse West African identity.
9. Before moving to Liberia, Yaw Sarpong had already recorded his first album in 1981, titled Adesrede (Request), and followed it with a second album between 1983 and 1984.
10. He chose the name Asomafo, meaning “Messengers,” because he believed neither he nor his group members worked on their own, but rather served as vessels to spread God’s word.
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