By Issah Olegor
The gospel music scene is in mourning following the death of celebrated musician Yaw Sarpong, founder and leader of the iconic gospel group Asomafo.
His passing was confirmed to the media by his manager, Nana Poku Ashis, though the exact circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been disclosed.
The loss of Yaw Sarpong comes shortly after the death of Maame Tiwa, a key member of Asomafo, whose passing last month had already left the gospel fraternity reeling.
For years, Sarpong had battled health challenges that occasionally forced him to step away from the public eye and focus on recovery.
Yaw Sarpong’s influence on Ghanaian gospel music is profound. Rising to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as the leader of Asomafo, he helped shape modern Akan gospel music through a combination of disciplined musical arrangements and spiritually rich lyrical content.
The group became known for blending traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary gospel styles, producing songs that resonated across congregations nationwide.
Over the decades, Asomafo, under Sarpong’s leadership, released a string of timeless hits, including Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa.
These tracks remain integral to worship services in churches across Ghana and among Ghanaian communities abroad.
Beyond his musical contributions, Sarpong’s mentorship and guidance of young gospel artists have left a lasting legacy in the industry.
In 2025, his career achievements were formally recognized when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, cementing his place among the most influential musicians.
Industry stakeholders and fans alike have expressed deep sorrow over his passing, acknowledging his role in elevating Ghanaian gospel music to national and international prominence.
His death marks the end of an era for a genre he helped define and for a generation of musicians who looked up to him as a guiding light.
Yaw Sarpong is survived by his family and the countless artists and fans whose lives he touched through his music and ministry.
