Ghana’s music industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran highlife musician and broadcaster Nana Safohene Djeni, popularly known as the “Nzema Bob Marley.”
News of the legendary musician’s passing emerged on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with tributes pouring in from music lovers and admirers of his work.
Safohene Djeni was widely recognised as one of the musicians who championed Nzema Highlife, using his music to preserve the language, traditions and cultural identity of Ghana’s Western Region.
Born and raised in the Nzema area, Djeni developed a passion for music at an early age. He went on to master both acoustic and electric guitar, with his smooth and rhythmic guitar style becoming a distinctive part of his musical identity.
His dedication to Nzema music eventually earned him the affectionate nickname “Nzema Bob Marley.”
Throughout his career, Safohene Djeni worked with notable musical groups, including T.D. Quarcoo’s Guitar Band and the Appolos International Band. He also worked alongside other highlife greats, including the late Jewel Ackah.
One of his most recognised songs was “Nea Ye Boe,” a piece that helped cement his place among Ghana’s respected highlife musicians.
Unlike musicians whose songs focused largely on romance, Djeni used his music as a platform to share wisdom, life lessons, proverbs and social commentary. His ability to combine meaningful messages with traditional highlife rhythms made his work particularly distinctive.
In a recent interview, the veteran musician revealed that he had recorded more than 100 songs across several albums. His versatility was also reflected in his use of Nzema, Fante and Twi in his music.
His influence was not limited to his generation. In 2017, Ghanaian music duo Wutah disclosed that their popular song “Bronya” drew inspiration from Safohene Djeni’s work, further highlighting the impact his music had on younger artistes.
His contribution to Ghanaian music was also recognised by the organisers of the 610Music Western Music Awards, where he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond music, Safohene Djeni was also a respected Nzema radio broadcaster. Through broadcasting, he continued to connect with audiences and promote the culture and musical heritage of the Western Region.
At a time when hiplife, Afrobeats and other contemporary genres were dominating Ghana’s music scene, Djeni remained a strong connection to the country’s golden highlife era.
Reports indicate that the veteran musician died after a short illness, although further details surrounding his death had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
Safohene Djeni leaves behind a legacy of music, culture, storytelling and cultural preservation. His extensive catalogue, distinctive guitar style and commitment to Nzema-language music ensured that his voice would remain part of Ghana’s rich highlife history.
As Ghana mourns the man fondly remembered as the “Nzema Bob Marley,” his music stands as a lasting reminder of the power of indigenous languages and culture in shaping Ghana’s musical identity.
Safohene Djeni may have taken his final bow, but his music and cultural legacy will continue to play on.