Renowned Ghanaian Highlife musician, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, has expressed his disappointment and frustration with the current state of Highlife music in Ghana.
In a recent interview on the GhHighlifeShow with Ohemaa Acheampomaa, Ambolley lamented that younger musicians have abandoned the traditional Highlife elements that made Ghanaian music rich and diverse.
Ambolley, who has been a major force in Ghanaian music for decades, stated that today’s artists have adopted Western influences, stripping the genre of its authenticity.
“If you listen to the songs of Shatta Wale, Black Sherif, and others, their beats are all Western beats. There is no Highlife in there,” he argued.
This, according to Ambolley, has “ruined Highlife” as the genre now struggles to maintain its original identity amid modern trends.
Highlife music, which originated in Ghana in the early 20th century, has historically been the country’s signature music genre.
It is characterized by its unique blend of traditional Akan music, jazz, and swing.
However, Ambolley believes that younger musicians lack the depth and experience to produce meaningful, resonant music.
“The musicians of today just make music about their girlfriends because they haven’t grown. They haven’t faced life in a deep way to be motivated to make meaningful, resonating music,” he stated.
Ambolley’s comments come at a time when there is ongoing discussion about whether Ghanaian artists are doing enough to preserve Highlife.
