Takoradi MP Seeks National Plan to Revive Highlife Music
Former Western Regional Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Takoradi, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has called for a national strategy to revive Ghana’s Highlife music, warning that the genre risks disappearing if urgent action isn’t taken.
The MP emphasized the need to nurture emerging talents and strengthen the industry’s structure to prevent Highlife from fading into obscurity.
According to Mr. Darko-Mensah, Highlife is the bedrock of many modern African music genres. “If you want to recognise a song as Highlife, it’s that little part of the music… that signature that tells you this is Highlife,” he explained.
He further stated, “Afrobeats is a conservation of Highlife. It came from Highlife. Even Hiplife is a modification of Highlife. There’s a connection; if we get Highlife solid, the other genres will grow.”
The Takoradi MP, a known enthusiast of Ghanaian music legends, expressed concern over the dwindling number of active Highlife musicians. He believes state intervention is crucial to identify and support promising artists.
“Only a few artistes are currently engaged in Highlife. If we are not careful, it might die off,” he warned. “We need a strategic arrangement to pick those showing potential, support them to grow, and ensure they can deliver more for this country.”
Mr. Darko-Mensah shared a personal connection to the music, recalling that his grandmother established the first nightclub in Takoradi. “In her days, Highlife dominated before foreign music came in, and later, hiplife,” he reminisced.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by Ghanaian musicians, particularly regarding royalty payments and intellectual property rights. He urged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to address repeated complaints against organizations like GHAMRO.
“Most musicians in Ghana complain they are not getting real value for their labour… The ministry must look quickly at this area. After years of investment, artistes should have benefits in old age that can sustain them and inspire the younger ones,” he stated.
Drawing a comparison with the US music industry, Mr. Darko-Mensah asserted that Ghana could also unlock the economic potential of music. “In America, music is money. We should be able to achieve the same here in Ghana,” he argued.
While acknowledging the Tourism Ministry’s efforts to promote Highlife as a cultural export, he stressed that sustained financial and structural support is essential to fully capitalize on its value.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
