Ghanaian musician Ben Brainy has sparked a crucial conversation about Ghana’s music industry and cultural preservation following his recent appearance on Bryt TV. Addressing an issue that has been simmering for years, Ben Brainy lamented the fact that Ghanaians have not held onto their cultural and musical heritage long enough, allowing Nigerians to dominate and even claim ownership of Highlife music.
Highlife, a genre deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, has played a crucial role in shaping African music. Despite its significant contributions to the continent’s soundscape, its influence is seemingly waning in Ghana while gaining traction elsewhere. Ben Brainy’s observations reflect a broader discussion on how cultural negligence and external influences are reshaping Ghana’s music industry.
A Brief History of Highlife Music
Highlife music emerged in the early 20th century, blending traditional Akan rhythms with Western musical influences brought by European colonialists. Pioneers like the Kumasi Trio, E.K. Nyame, E.T. Mensah, Nana Ampadu, King Bruce, Onyina, and Agya Koo Nimo popularized the genre, using it as a medium to tell stories, address social issues, and entertain audiences.
During the post-independence era, Highlife became synonymous with Ghanaian identity, serving as a unifying force among different ethnic groups. It was the soundtrack to political rallies, cultural events, and celebrations. In the 1960s and 1970s, Highlife reached its peak, influencing other African genres like Afrobeat, which Nigerian legend Fela Kuti developed by fusing Highlife with jazz and funk.
The Decline of Highlife in Ghana
Despite its historical significance, Highlife has struggled to maintain its dominance in Ghana’s music industry. The rise of Hip-hop, Dancehall, and Afrobeats has overshadowed the genre, leaving it in the hands of a few dedicated musicians. Ben Brainy believes that Ghanaian artists have failed to protect and promote Highlife, abandoning it in pursuit of newer trends.
"We don’t hold onto our own for long. We started Highlife, but now it’s the Nigerians who are making it big with it. We leave what we have and chase other things," he lamented during an interview with El Baby on Bryt TV.
His concerns are not unfounded. In recent years, Nigerian musicians have rebranded Highlife by blending it with Afrobeat, creating a unique sound that has taken the global stage by storm. Artists like Flavour, Adekunle Gold, and Burna Boy have incorporated Highlife elements into their music, gaining international recognition. In contrast, many Ghanaian artists have shifted their focus to foreign-inspired genres, making it harder for Highlife to compete in the mainstream market.
The Role of the Nigerian Music Industry
Nigeria’s ability to commercialize and export its music is a major factor in its dominance over Highlife. The Nigerian music industry is well-structured, with strong government support, private investment, and international collaborations. Nigerian artists are intentional about branding their sound and pushing it beyond Africa, which is why their version of Highlife-infused Afrobeats has become widely recognized.
Ghana, on the other hand, has struggled to build a robust music industry. Many artists lack the resources to market their music internationally, and there is minimal government support for the creative arts sector. Without strategic investments and promotions, Ghanaian Highlife remains largely domestic, limiting its global reach.
Can Highlife Be Revived in Ghana?
Ben Brainy believes that the responsibility lies with Ghanaian musicians, industry stakeholders, and the government to reclaim and promote Highlife. He emphasized that Ghanaians need to be more intentional about preserving their musical identity instead of allowing foreign influences to overshadow it.
To revive Highlife, Ghanaian artists must actively create and promote Highlife music, collaborating with international platforms to showcase its uniqueness. Music festivals dedicated to Highlife, educational programs on its history, and incentives for artists who embrace the genre could help restore its prominence.
One potential solution is to integrate Highlife into the school curriculum, teaching young musicians about its importance and encouraging them to experiment with it. Countries like Cuba and Brazil have successfully preserved their traditional music by institutionalizing them within educational frameworks, and Ghana can do the same.
Efforts to Preserve Highlife
Several Ghanaian musicians and organizations are working tirelessly to keep Highlife alive. Veteran artists like Amakye Dede, Pat Thomas, and Kwabena Kwabena continue to produce Highlife music, inspiring younger generations. Additionally, initiatives like the Musicians Union of Ghana’s (MUSIGA) annual Highlife competition and the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards’ ‘Highlife Song of the Year’ category aim to keep the genre relevant.
However, these efforts need more amplification. The media has a crucial role to play in promoting Highlife by giving it more airtime on radio and television. Streaming platforms can also create dedicated Highlife playlists to introduce global audiences to the genre.
Ben Brainy’s Contribution to Highlife
Ben Brainy is not just voicing his concerns—he is also leading by example. His latest song, ‘Location,’ blends Afrobeat and Highlife influences, showcasing his signature sound and storytelling ability. The music video complements the song’s theme, creating a vibrant and engaging experience for fans.
With ‘Location,’ Ben Brainy is reinforcing the importance of staying true to Ghanaian musical roots while adapting to modern trends. By doing so, he hopes to inspire other musicians to embrace Highlife and take it to greater heights.
The Future of Highlife
While Highlife may not currently dominate Ghana’s mainstream music scene, it still holds immense potential. With the right strategies, investments, and collaborations, Ghana can reclaim its place as the true home of Highlife.
If artists, producers, and policymakers work together to elevate the genre, Highlife can experience a renaissance similar to that of Reggae in Jamaica or Tango in Argentina. It is a matter of national pride, cultural preservation, and artistic expression.
As Ben Brainy passionately advocates, Ghanaians must cherish Highlife, promote it globally, and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving and respected genre. Otherwise, as history has shown, others will step in and claim what was once uniquely Ghanaian.
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