‘Highlife still has its voice’ - Nana Asamoah calls for innovation

Ghanaian highlife artiste Nana Asamoah has dismissed claims that highlife music is fading, insisting the genre remains the foundation of Ghana’s music culture despite changing industry trends.

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, he said highlife remains the backbone of Ghanaian music because of its storytelling strength and deep cultural roots. According to him, the genre continues to connect with audiences whenever it is given attention.

He further rejected the idea that Gen Z-driven music styles are a threat to highlife, explaining that every generation naturally gravitates toward its own sound. He described this shift as normal and even healthy for the industry.

Nana Asamoah stressed that highlife is not dying, but rather losing mainstream visibility due to changes in promotion and attention within the music system. He argued that the issue is not the quality of the music, but how it is pushed and promoted.

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Highlife is like the father of all genres in Ghana, and it has always had its audience. I do not believe there is a shift. Gen Z is not a threat to Highlife.

“The key is not to fight or compete but to find a way to blend. As young people grow older, they start getting closer to Highlife. So we should continue doing Highlife music.

"Moreover, Highlife is not dying. Musicians are still making that kind of music. It only looks quiet in the mainstream because the system has changed. The problem is not the music; it is the attention and hype around it. Highlife is our foundation, and it carries real stories. Anytime people pay attention to it, they connect to it instantly. So Highlife lives," he said.

He encouraged a more blended approach between highlife and modern sounds, saying collaboration and improved production quality will help the genre stay relevant to younger listeners while preserving its identity.

Touching on highlife legends such as Amakye Dede, Daddy Lumba, and A. B. Crentsil, he said their legacy remains strong and should inspire younger artistes to carry the genre forward rather than see it as fading.

"Legends such as Amakye Dede, Daddy Lumba, A B Crentsil, among others, are great musicians who have timeless music that can never be replaced. Their contributions to the genre are enormous, so if there is a gap, I see it as a responsibility to bring a fresh wave to keep Highlife moving forward," he said

PAT/EB