Highlife legend, Nana Tuffour, has died at 66 years.
Known in private life as James Kwaku Tuffour, the singer died in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, after a short illness.
Confirming the news to Class FM, in an interview, President of the Ghana Musician Union (MUSIGA) Bessa Simons said, ‘he was a true musician, we have lost a legend”
According to him, the ‘Abeiku’ hitmaker had been unwell since last year.
“I was part of the delegation that went to visit him but few months ago I met him in Kumasi and he was himself so his illness was not something anybody thought was going to send him to his maker” he added.
Sharing his fondness memory with him, Bessa Simons said Nana Tuffour was a formidable keyboard player.
“When it comes to musicians who have held the Ghana flag up high, Nana Tuffour is one of them, he has worked with international artistes like King Sunny Adé, you name it,” he said.
Sources close to the family say, the passing of the singer’s brother and confidant may have contributed to his own passing.
Nana Tuffour spent his childhood in Kumasi and rose to fame in an era when intelligence scored substantially more points than good looks.
Growing up, he was surrounded by resourceful relatives which gave him the opportunity to enjoy music from all around the world while at home.
Affectionately called 9-9-2-4, he kicked off his musical journey with one of the country’s best keyboardist, Alex Konadu, popularly known as ‘one-man thousand.’
He later joined the Wanto Wazuri Band as a pianist.
The highlife legend has over 15 albums to his credit, his latest song ‘Abasa Komu’ was released a few months ago.
