Ghanaian musician Ben Brainy has raised concerns about the neglect of Ghana’s cultural heritage, particularly Highlife music.
Speaking with El Baby, he lamented, “We don’t hold onto our own for long. We started Highlife, but now Nigerians are making it big with it.”
He urged Ghanaian artists and industry players to actively preserve and promote the genre, stressing the need for investment, global promotion, and cultural pride to maintain Ghana’s musical legacy.
Highlife, once a symbol of Ghanaian identity, shaped African music through legends like E.T. Mensah, Nana Ampadu, and Agya Koo Nimo. However, Brainy believes Ghana’s shift toward newer trends has left room for Nigerian artists to dominate by blending Highlife with Afrobeat for global appeal.
Meanwhile, Brainy’s latest video for ‘Location’—a fusion of Afrobeat and Highlife—showcases his storytelling and signature sound, reinforcing the importance of staying true to Ghanaian musical roots.
