In recent years, the Ghanaian music industry has seen a surge in the number of talented artists making waves both locally and internationally. However, one area where many Ghanaian artists still lag is in the production of their beats.
While there are certainly talented producers in Ghana, many artists still rely heavily on imported beats from foreign producers.
This over-reliance on foreign beats not only limits the creativity and originality of Ghanaian music but also hinders the growth and development of the local music industry.
To truly stand out in the global music scene, Ghanaian artists must learn how to produce their beats and create music that is uniquely Ghanaian.
However, with the advancement of technology, producing music has become more accessible than ever before. There are now numerous online tutorials and courses available that teach artists how to produce their beats using software such as FL Studio, Ableton Live, or Logic Pro.
By learning how to produce their beats, Ghanaian artists take control of their music and create a sound that is truly their own.
According to the renowned Ghanaian rapper and sound engineer, E.L., making beats as an artist enables them to maintain the original idea behind their songs instead of going through another individual.
“I have told this to all my friends, the earlier you start learning how to produce your own beats if you are a musician, the better. I have gotten through a few of them and they realize is so much easier to bring out the idea directly yourself.”
E.L.
Additionally, producing their beats is also financially beneficial for Ghanaian artists. Instead of paying hefty fees to foreign producers for beats, artists save money by creating their music.
Furthermore, producing their beats also helps Ghanaian artists gain a deeper understanding of the music production process and improve their overall musical skills.
Ghanaian artists are urged to learn how to produce their beats to elevate their music to new heights.
By taking control of their music production, artists create a sound that is uniquely Ghanaian, save money, and improve their overall musical skills. With the right tools and training, Ghanaian artists truly make a mark on the global music scene.
Ghanaians’ Failure in Promoting Highlife Music
Highlife music has long been a cornerstone of Ghanaian culture, with its infectious rhythms and soulful melodies captivating audiences both locally and internationally.
However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the promotion and popularity of highlife music in Ghana.
Despite its rich history and cultural significance, highlife music seems to have taken a backseat to other genres in the Ghanaian music industry.
These genres have gained widespread popularity both in Ghana and around the world, overshadowing highlife music in the mainstream music scene. As a result, many young Ghanaian artists are opting to create music in these more popular genres, leaving highlife music to languish.
Veteran highlife musician, Amandzeba spoke about the seeming nonchalance of Ghanaians in helping promote and preserve Ghana’s highlife music genre.
He noted that although Highlife is rich in Ghanaian culture and has the potential to represent the country globally, Ghanaians seem to have failed in projecting it.
“Collectively, we seem to have failed. We normally trivialize our heritage, everything. The Chinese can make our kente, they can do anything at all with our heritage and then we sit in silence and keep admiring them while we know that we have the thing and must be developed here.
“It’s just like music. When we had Highlife, right from the outset, it affected everybody along the coast even in Zaire, Congo, and other places. Take the likes of Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Hugh Masekela. They were here [because of highlife].”
Amandzeba
Additionally, several young artists are incorporating elements of highlife music into their work, creating a modern twist on the traditional genre.
To promote highlife music in Ghana, the music industry, media, and government need to come together to support and celebrate the genre.
By providing more opportunities for highlife artists to showcase their music, as well as educating the public about the rich history and cultural significance of highlife music, Ghana can once again become a hub for this beloved genre.
While highlife music has faced challenges in recent years, it still holds a special place in the hearts of Ghanaians. By working together to promote and preserve this cherished genre, Ghana ensures that highlife music continues to thrive for generations to come.
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