Accra: The entertainment industry was deeply saddened on January 20, 2026, when news broke of the passing of the legendary Gospel musician Yaw Sarpong. With a career spanning several decades, Yaw Sarpong earned immense respect within the Christian community and the music industry. He inspired many young Gospel artistes who cite him as an influence. Yet, there remain several lesser-known facts about this celebrated singer.
According to Ghana Web, before his breakthrough in music, Yaw Sarpong ventured into the taxi business. In an interview with JoyNews, he revealed that he worked as a taxi driver for about four years before moving to Liberia. “I was a taxi driver for about four years. I drove from 1992 to 1996 before I left to Liberia,” Yaw Sarpong disclosed.
Growing up, Yaw Sarpong, the pioneer of Ghanaian Gospel music and lead of the Asomafo Gospel Band, was known as Isaac Opoku. In school, he was called Isaac, but he later emerged in the music scene as Yaw Sarpong. The legendary singer explained that Sarpong was a family name, and he was named after his grandfather by his father. “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.
Yaw Sarpong’s hit single “Wo Haw Ne Sen” was inspired by a prophet he often visited, who eventually passed away. 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.