As lead vocalist of the Sweet Talks, the house band at the Talk of the Town Hotel in the coastal city of Tema, A.B. Crentsil ruled Ghana's highlife scene in the '70s. Accompanied by such future Ghanaian star vocalists as Jewel Ackah and Pat Thomas, and guitarist Eric Agyeman, Crentsil helped to create some of the most exciting sounds in West Africa. Initially featuring guitarist Smart Nkansah and second vocalist Pope Flynn, Sweet Talks made its debut in December 1973. Their first hit came two years later with "Adam & Eve," the first of series of double entendre-laden tunes. Despite their success, Crentsil and Sweet Talks struggled under Ghana's oppressive political government. When they disbanded in 1978, the restrictions of a 6:00 p.m. curfew and economic difficulties were cited as reasons. Following the demise of Sweet Talks, Crentsil remained active as a musician, achieving international success as leader of the Ahenfo Band. He opened a 16-track recording studio in 1990. A.B. Crentsil died on July 13, 2022 after a long illness; he was 79 years old. ~ Craig Harris