Highlife music, a genre deeply intertwined with Ghana’s cultural identity, has faced concerns about its perceived decline in recent years. Some observers have lamented its apparent fading presence in the contemporary music scene, overshadowed by newer genres. However, Rex Omar, a renowned Ghanaian musician and Presidential Staffer for the Black Stars Experience, vehemently disagrees with this assessment. He contends that Highlife is not fading but rather evolving and undergoing a transformation, manifesting itself in the contemporary sounds often categorized as Afrobeats.
Omar argues that the core elements of Highlife – its rhythmic foundations, melodic structures, and instrumentation – are still prevalent in much of today’s popular music, even if it’s labeled differently. He believes that the shift in nomenclature doesn’t negate the essence of Highlife but rather reflects its adaptability and continued relevance in a changing musical landscape. He points to the lack of deliberate promotion of Highlife as Ghana’s unique sound as a key factor contributing to the misconception of its decline. This lack of intentional global branding, he argues, has allowed other genres to usurp Highlife’s rightful place on the world stage, despite the persistent presence of its core elements in contemporary music.
The Black Stars Experience, an initiative spearheaded by Rex Omar, aims to rectify this oversight by reclaiming Highlife as a defining element of Ghanaian musical identity. The initiative seeks to promote and celebrate the genre’s rich heritage and ensure its continued evolution and recognition both within Ghana and globally. This involves educating both local and international audiences about the historical and cultural significance of Highlife, highlighting its enduring influence on contemporary music forms, and showcasing the talent of contemporary artists who incorporate its elements into their work.
Highlife’s rich history and unique characteristics make it a distinct musical form. Born from the fusion of traditional Ghanaian musical traditions, particularly Akan and Kpanlogo, with Western instruments and styles like jazz, Highlife exhibits a vibrant blend of cultural influences. Its distinctive features include infectious danceable rhythms, intricate horn arrangements, and captivating guitar riffs, often accompanied by lyrical narratives that tell stories and explore a range of themes rooted in Ghanaian life and culture. This unique fusion of indigenous and foreign elements is what sets Highlife apart, giving it a distinctive character that has captivated audiences for generations.
The perception of Highlife’s decline underscores a broader challenge faced by many traditional art forms in the era of globalization: maintaining their relevance and visibility amidst an influx of newer, often internationally dominant, genres. While adaptation and evolution are crucial for survival, it is equally important to preserve the core identity and historical context of these art forms. The efforts to revitalize and rebrand Highlife, as championed by Rex Omar and the Black Stars Experience, exemplify this delicate balancing act between embracing change and honoring tradition.
The future of Highlife depends on a multifaceted approach that includes ongoing efforts to promote the genre, educate younger generations about its significance, and encourage contemporary artists to explore and innovate within its framework. By celebrating its past and embracing its evolving present, Ghana can ensure that Highlife continues to thrive as a vibrant expression of its cultural heritage, enriching both the local and global music scene. This continuous evolution and adaptation, coupled with a concerted effort to preserve its core essence, is key to ensuring Highlife’s enduring legacy as a dynamic and influential genre.
