We need to make Highlife attractive to young people - NCC

Deputy Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture (NCC), Fio Richardson Commey, has urged musicians and industry players to maintain the authenticity of Highlife music and promote it globally.

This comes after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) announced that Highlife music will be officially recognised as part of the nation's cultural heritage by the end of 2024.

This recognition will affirm Highlife music as uniquely Ghanaian, preventing any other country from claiming its origins.

As reported by graphic.com.gh, Mr. Commey stressed the need to preserve the original elements of Highlife music, warning that Ghana's reputation as the birthplace of Highlife could be at risk if artistes prioritise short-term gains over the genre's authenticity.

“This designation will be the global official endorsement of Highlife as a unique artistic product from Ghana and it will automatically put the nation in a state of consciousness in taking critical steps to safeguard this enviable heritage for generations yet unborn.

He stressed the need to make Highlife attractive to young people and ensure the transfer of knowledge about the music to the youth.

“We must safeguard and ensure its vitality and viability and make it attractive to the young people and also ensure education and transfer of the knowledge about the music to the youth and young people,” he said.

Mr. Commey also urged musicians and industry players to actively participate in initiatives led by state agencies, as their involvement is crucial for leveraging global recognition.

“Musicians and industry players should be seen at the forefront of all initiatives that will be outlined by state agencies and they stand to be the direct and higher beneficiaries of the global recognition.

“If we do not appreciate our music, no one will. Artistic expressions are part of identity formation and for that matter, music is a part of the Ghanaian identity. So, we need to be proud of the genre and promote it to the rest of the world,” he said.

The NCC plans to support this effort through various programs aimed at educating and engaging the younger generation. These include training programs in schools, Highlife music competitions, symposia, master classes, and annual lecture series.

Additionally, there will be a festival to honour both veteran and young musicians who are keeping the genre alive.

ID/NOQ

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