Ghanaian DJ and producer Ishmael Abbey, also known as DJ Katapila, has died after a brief illness. Abbey’s death was confirmed on January 25 via an Instagram post by Awesome Tapes From Africa, the record label behind his music. The post described Abbey as “an inimitable producer, disc jockey and mobile party-starter” who had travelled to Europe to tour with the label. The musician, who began his DJ career aged 15, incorporated traditional Ga music with genres including house and techno. His signature style saw him “speak in Twi and Ga during the breaks of tracks and included the use of an electronic drum pad to tap along to mixes”, according to the Awesome Tapes From Africa post.
Katapila first came to the label’s attention via founder Brian Shimkovitz, who discovered the DJ’s work in the 2000s. The label helped reissue Abbey’s music with releases in 2016 and 2018, including three albums. Billboard magazine called Katapila a “catalyst for his hometown’s vibrant dance-music scene” in tribute to the musician after his death. The New York Times also praised Katapila’s music in a 2016 feature, noting that he combined traditional instruments with digital effects. Katapila’s music blended the music of his home city of Accra with sounds from around the world. His final release, a EP entitled “Techno Africa”, was released in 2022 via Tash LC’s Club Yeke.
Katapila is survived by his mother, daughter, and son
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