Obiba Sly Collins, a veteran highlife musician, has issued a clarion call for the revitalization of the highlife genre. He emphasizes the need for a collective effort from stakeholders and music enthusiasts to cultivate a genuine passion for highlife, thereby inspiring more musicians to embrace and perform it. Collins argues that the more highlife is promoted and celebrated, the more appealing it will become to younger generations, ensuring the genre’s continuity and relevance. He advocates for a multi-pronged approach to promotion, encompassing various strategies to support and uplift highlife music both within Ghana and internationally.
A central theme in Collins’s argument is the recognition of highlife as a national treasure and a vital part of Ghana’s cultural heritage. He underscores the unifying power of highlife music, its ability to bring people together and foster a sense of shared identity. Collins calls for a concerted effort to preserve and promote this unique art form, emphasizing its importance in shaping the national narrative and projecting a positive image of Ghana to the world. He believes that with adequate support and promotion, Ghanaian highlife music can achieve global recognition, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the music industry.
Collins laments the declining appeal of highlife, attributing it partly to the lack of concerted effort by industry players to promote the genre. He observes a worrying trend where other genres, such as Afrobeat and dancehall, are given more prominence, often overshadowing highlife on radio and other media platforms. He urges Ghanaian music stakeholders to prioritize highlife, investing in its development and growth. He questions the rationale behind neglecting highlife in favor of foreign genres, emphasizing the need to cherish and nurture indigenous musical forms.
Collins’s proposal extends beyond mere rhetoric. He advocates for concrete actions to support highlife, suggesting that sponsorship and promotion are crucial to fostering a sense of national identity. He envisions highlife as a vehicle for cultural pride and unity, a genre that can transcend boundaries and connect Ghanaians both at home and in the diaspora. He emphasizes the need to formally recognize highlife as a national art treasure and heritage, highlighting its distinctive qualities and its contribution to the nation’s cultural landscape.
Collins leads by example, actively contributing to the revitalization of highlife through his own music. He is poised to release new singles this year, aiming to reassert his presence in the highlife music scene. One of his recent releases, “Let’s Come Together,” has already garnered positive reviews from music industry professionals and fans alike. The song’s powerful message of unity and togetherness resonates deeply with listeners, positioning it as a potential anthem for the genre’s resurgence.
Collins’s extensive experience in the music industry, spanning over four decades, lends weight to his advocacy for highlife. He represents a generation of musicians committed to preserving and advancing the genre. His dedication to creating and promoting highlife music underscores his belief in its enduring value and its potential to captivate audiences worldwide. He remains committed to releasing more highlife songs, aiming to solidify his legacy and inspire future generations of musicians to embrace this rich and vibrant musical tradition. He embodies the spirit of a true highlife ambassador, dedicated to promoting the genre’s unique qualities and ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-evolving music landscape.
