Highlife music, a genre that originated in Ghana in the early 20th century, has long been celebrated for its vibrant rhythms, melodic richness, and deep cultural significance.
However, the genre has faced an identity crisis recently as contemporary influences and commercialization threaten to dilute its traditional essence.
The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, has expressed concern over the gradual decline of highlife music’s identity in Ghana, emphasizing the need for immediate action to preserve and promote the genre.
While the genre remains widely recognized, Bessa Simons noted that it is losing its stronghold as Ghana’s signature music style. “It is worrying,” he stated.
As part of efforts to protect and promote the genre’s music, MUSIGA is planning a series of seminars to educate both musicians and the public on the unique characteristics of the genre.
“We will start organizing seminars about highlife. We are also working on a documentary with Prof. John Collins for our Golden Jubilee to showcase how highlife has evolved over the years and the key elements that make it distinct.”
Bessa Simons
Highlife is more than just a musical genre; it embodies the spirit of Ghanaian culture and identity. However, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the music genre faces the risk of losing its distinctiveness.
The rise of digital music platforms and the globalization of music trends have led to a blending of genres, often overshadowing the traditional sound.
Contemporary artists, while innovative, frequently incorporate foreign influences that stray from the genre’s roots, leading to a dilution of its cultural significance.
According to Bessa Simons, the essence of the music genre lies in its rich rhythms and instrumentation.
He pointed out that it incorporates various guitar styles, such as Amponsah, Odo Nsor, and Dagomba rhythms.
“These elements are what make highlife special. That is why the seminar is very important—not just for Ghanaians but for anyone who wants to learn. Even in London, I saw white musicians traveling to Côte d’Ivoire to learn highlife guitar, and when they returned, they were playing highlife perfectly.”
Bessa Simons
Risks of Identity Erosion of Highlife Music
The implications of losing Highlife’s identity extend beyond music. The genre serves as a vessel for storytelling, cultural expression, and community bonding.
Bessa Simons explained that it is deeply embedded in Ghanaian culture and remains a part of everyday life.
“Highlife music is played and consumed in every Ghanaian home. It is unique, and once you start singing on a highlife beat, everyone—whether Black or white—can relate to it.”
Bessa Simons
When its unique characteristics are compromised, the narratives and values embedded within the genre risk being forgotten.
This erosion of identity leads to a cultural disconnect, particularly among younger generations who struggle to relate to their heritage.
Moreover, the commercialization of the music genre results in a focus on marketability over authenticity.
As artists chase trends to achieve commercial success, the essence of highlife is often sacrificed, leading to a homogenized sound that lacks the depth and richness of its predecessors.
Despite concerns about the genre’s fading prominence, Simons believes there is hope for the future.
“Fortunately, we have great guitarists like Odekro, Kyekyeku, and Aka Blay, who are holding the fort. But we need to start building the next generation so that Ghana can officially claim highlife as our musical hallmark.”
Bessa Simons
To combat the worrying trend of losing the genre’s identity, it is essential to promote initiatives that celebrate and preserve its cultural heritage.
The loss of highlife’s identity is a worrying trend that threatens not only the genre itself but also the cultural fabric of Ghana.
As globalization continues to shape the musical landscape, it is imperative that stakeholders—artists, educators, and cultural institutions—come together to preserve the authenticity and richness of highlife.
The future of the genre depends on the collective commitment to safeguarding its identity, ensuring that it continues to resonate with the hearts and minds of all who encounter its melodies.
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