Popular Ghanaian singer Sista Afia has rejected claims that Highlife music is fading away, insisting the genre remains alive and relevant.
Speaking in an interview, the ‘Carry Go’ hitmaker described ongoing debates about the supposed “death” of Highlife as unnecessary and discouraging.
“I don’t like the fact that people keep saying Highlife is dead. It’s become a whole debate now. But personally, I want to keep it going. I love the music. It’s something I grew up listening to. My dad was a Highlife artiste, so it’s part of me. I don’t want it to die, not while I’m alive.”
Sista Afia
Sista Afia expressed excitement about the growing number of young artists embracing the genre, singling out rising star Super Sandy, with whom she has collaborated, as one of the promising new voices in modern Highlife.
“There’s this girl called Super Sandy. I love her. We have a song together. The first time I heard her, I was amazed. I felt like, wow, here’s someone who’s going to help keep the spirit of Highlife alive. And we hardly have women doing Highlife right now; we are very limited.”
Sista Afia
The singer lamented the under-representation of women in Highlife but reaffirmed her commitment to preserving and promoting the genre through her music and collaborations. “I’ll keep doing my part to make sure Highlife stays alive,” she said.
The radio-ready single titled “Here To Stay”, with rising Ghanaian songstress Supa Sandy featuring award-winning vocalist Sista Afia, blends classic highlife and contemporary Afrobeat vibes, centered around heartfelt lyrics about loyalty, love, and perseverance.
Both artists deliver emotional performances that highlight their vocal strengths. Supa Sandy’s smooth, soulful tone complements Sista Afia’s confident and expressive delivery, resulting in a balanced and engaging sound.
Sista Afia continues to make waves in the Ghanaian music industry, performing at major events and collaborating with top artists. Her recent singles have kept her at the forefront of female voices in the scene.
Supa Sandy, on the other hand, is proving her consistency and talent with each new release. “Here To Stay” marks another step in her journey as one of the promising voices shaping Ghana’s modern Afrobeat and highlife sound.
Sista Afia Reveals Fan Assault Incident Before Stage Performance
The Ghanaian singer shared details of a troubling incident with a fan that escalated to violence, leaving the individual hospitalised after she struck him with a microphone.
The “Weather” hitmaker revealed how uncomfortable she becomes when fans attempt to touch her while she’s making her way to the stage.
“I hate it when people like to touch me when I’m going on stage, especially the fans. It’s something I really don’t like at all, it makes me very uncomfortable. One time, somebody pressed me so hard, and I hit him with a mic. The person had to go to the hospital.”
Sista Afia
According to Sista Afia, the incident took place during a live performance when a fan inappropriately touched her “front part.” Feeling violated and acting out of reflex, she reacted instantly by striking the person with her microphone.
She explained that although security personnel were present at the event, the poor organisation of the show made it difficult for her to move safely through the crowd to the stage.
“My first instinct was to react immediately. Sometimes, you have to go through the crowd to reach the stage, especially when the event isn’t well organised. So when the guy did that, my first instinct was to find out who it was, and I hit him with the mic so hard.”
Sista Afia
The singer criticised the lack of proper crowd control and event coordination, stressing that such lapses often put artistes at risk of harassment and physical harm.
Reflecting on her experiences in the Ghanaian music scene, Sista Afia also expressed disappointment over what she perceives as a lack of recognition for her hard work. “I may never be a favourite in the music industry despite all my efforts,” she added.
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