Ghana: Highlife great AB Crentsil passes away

The news was confirmed by sound engineer Fred ‘Fredyma’ Kyei Mensah on Facebook: “Farewell, AB Crenstil. The original composer and singer of the famous and controversial songs, ‘Moses’ and ‘Atia’, AB Crentsil has died!” Mensah told local media that the musician had been ill for some time.

As a singer, songwriter and guitarist, the musician, born Alfred Benjamin Crentsil Jr, will be remembered for a career dating back to the 1970s, which saw him play with many bands, notably El Dorados and the Sweet Talks Band with fellow highlife veteran Smart Nkansah. Sweet Talks’ debut collection was released in December 1973. The band’s LPs include Adam and Eve, Mbesiafo Nto Nsa, Kusum Beat, Spiritual Ghana and Hollywood Highlife Party.

Despite their success, Sweet Talks disbanded in 1978, citing economic hardship and social restrictions by the military government at the time. Crentsil went on to form the Ahenfo Band. 

Among his most popular songs are ‘Moses’, ‘Obi Ba Wiase’ ‘Atia’ and ‘Juliana’. In the mid-2000s, he partnered with rapper Obour on a collaborative project celebrating highlife and hiplife.

News of AB Crentsil’s demise has sparked an outpour of grief on social media, particularly from music industry players.

“We are losing our legends, let’s celebrate them while they are alive,” Frimprince Music Productions said in a statement. “Rest in perfect peace, AB Crentsil.”

“The story of my musical journey cannot be told without you,  as you nurtured me through your Ahenfo Band,” gospel singer Empress Gifty said. “You took me through the various rudiments of music, and with your tutelage,  this is how far I have come. I'm happy I made you proud, as you always wanted. You were and good man and touched the lives of many through your music and guidance. My condolences to your wife and family.”

Artist manager Kwame Agyemang-Berko said: “Hopefully, with how time seems to have forgotten about some, we shall inform the arts and indigenous literature as he did.”