Often referred to as the “grandfather” of modern African music, Highlife emerged a century ago in Ghana’s coastal port cities. By fusing colonial brass instrumentation with indigenous rhythmic patterns, it became the soundtrack of West African independence. UNESCO has now officially recognized Highlife as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. As the genre enters its second century, a new wave of musicians is ensuring that it not only endures but also evolves, blending tradition with contemporary influences.
