A historic ceremony was held at the La Palm Beach Royal Beach Hotel to commemorate 100 years of Highlife music in Ghana, celebrating a genre that has become the heartbeat of the nation’s cultural identity.
The event brought together musicians, cultural enthusiasts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the creative arts industry to honour Highlife’s enduring legacy and its profound influence on Ghanaian society.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, described Highlife music as a pillar of Ghana’s history and a powerful expression of the nation’s soul.
She noted that Highlife created something uniquely Ghanaian, a sound that narrates the truth of the people’s stories.
According to her, Highlife became the language of Ghanaian life, telling the story of the land and capturing the realities of hardship, laughter, heartbreak, pain, politics, and family life.
Through the voices of legendary musicians such as Agya Koo Nimo, Nana Ampadu, Kojo Antwi, Papa Yankson, and many others, Highlife chronicled the lived experiences of generations of Ghanaians.
“Highlife became our mirror,” she stated. “It reflected who we are, where we come from, and what we feel as a people. When life became heavy, Highlife spoke for us, and when joy came, Highlife danced with us.”
She emphasised that beyond entertainment, Highlife has always served as a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and social commentary, passing wisdom, values, and history from one generation to the next.
The celebration forms part of broader efforts to promote Ghana’s rich musical heritage and position Highlife as a key cultural asset in tourism and national identity, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Source: myxyzonline.com
