Yaw Sarpong passed away on January 20, 2026
On January 20, 2026, the entertainment industry was hit with the sad news of the passing of the legendary Gospel musician Yaw Sarpong.
With a decades-long career that earned him immense respect within the Christian community and the music industry, and inspired many young Gospel artistes who cite him as an influence, there are still a few things many did not know about the late singer.
Here are some little-known facts about the late Gospel singer Yaw Sarpong:
He once ventured into Taxi business
Before his breakthrough in music, Yaw Sarpong worked as a taxi driver. In an interview with JoyNews, he noted that he drove taxis for about four years before leaving for Liberia.
“I was a taxi driver for about four years. I drove from 1992 to 1996 before I left to Liberia,” Yaw Sarpong disclosed.
Gospel icon Yaw Sarpong is dead
2. Change of Name
Growing up, the pioneer of Ghanaian Gospel music and lead of the Asomafo Gospel Band was known as Isaac Opoku.
In school, everyone called him Isaac, but he later came into the music scene as Yaw Sarpong.
The legendary singer once explained that Sarpong was also a family name, and that his father named him after his grandfather.
“My name was Isaac Opoku but I came out with Yaw Sarpong because of the music I am doing. My father named me after his father,” he said.
3. Inspiration for ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’
His hit single ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’ was inspired by a prophet he often visited, who eventually passed.
The classic song addresses life’s trials and emotional burdens, reassuring listeners that God is aware of their struggles and will intervene at the right time.
Yaw Sarpong is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s Gospel music scene, shaping more than just Akan Gospel music over the years.
Together with the Asomafo band, he produced a long list of iconic Gospel hits that continue to resonate in churches and Christian gatherings nationwide.
Yaw Sarpong was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), recognising his contribution to the music industry and his lifelong dedication to the growth of Gospel music.
Meanwhile watch GhanaWeb’s exclusive interview with Ghanaian musician/comedian David Oscar Dogbe
AK/EB
