By Enoch 
Celebrated Highlife singer and songwriter, George Kwabena Adu, professionally known as Kwabena Kwabena, has shared strong words of advice for up-and-coming artistes, urging them to reconsider their dismissal of Highlife music, which he believes remains key to creating timeless hits. In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, Kwabena Kwabena emphasized that young artistes who view Highlife as outdated are making a huge mistake.
Despite its reputation as an old-school genre, Kwabena Kwabena insists that Highlife continues to be the foundation of Ghana’s music industry and is essential for achieving lasting success. “Highlife is thriving, and if you want hits, stick to the genre. Some people may think it is old-school, but many of Ghana’s top hits, such as Fameye’s Very Soon, King Paluta’s Makoma, KiDi’s Lomo Lomo, and even Stonebwoy’s Jejereje, are all rooted in Highlife,” he stated.
Reflecting on a Glorious Career
Reflecting on his 20-year career, Kwabena Kwabena humbly acknowledged the support he’s received from his fans over the years. “I am humbled, honestly. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Almighty God and to my fans all over the world for their support over the years,” he said. For the musician, staying relevant in the industry for such an extended period is his greatest reward. “Being in the industry for close to two decades is my biggest reward. Next year marks 20 years, and staying relevant all this time is the greatest gift God has given me,” he concluded.
Kwabena Kwabena expressed his disappointment that many young artistes prefer other music styles over Highlife, despite its enduring relevance. He believes that incorporating Highlife elements into modern music can help artistes create smash hits that resonate with both today’s audience and future generations.
The Enduring Appeal of Highlife
The Highlife icon, who has been active in the Ghanaian music scene for nearly two decades, emphasized that young artistes who view Highlife as outdated are making a huge mistake. “Highlife is thriving, and if you want hits, stick to the genre. Some people may think it is old-school, but many of Ghana’s top hits, such as Fameye’s Very Soon, King Paluta’s Makoma, KiDi’s Lomo Lomo, and even Stonebwoy’s Jejereje, are all rooted in Highlife,” he explained.
Highlife music, which originated in the early 20th century, is known for its fusion of traditional African rhythms with Western musical styles. This unique blend has made it a beloved genre in Ghana and beyond. Despite the emergence of new music styles, Highlife has maintained its relevance and continues to inspire generations of musicians.
A Call to Embrace Tradition
Kwabena Kwabena’s advice comes at a time when the music industry is seeing a resurgence of interest in traditional genres. His words serve as a reminder to young artistes to stay true to their roots and embrace the rich musical heritage of Ghana. By incorporating Highlife elements into their music, young artistes can create songs that resonate deeply with audiences and stand the test of time.
The Future of Highlife
As more young artistes heed Kwabena Kwabena’s advice and embrace Highlife, the genre’s future looks promising. The blending of traditional and modern sounds can lead to the creation of innovative music that appeals to a broad audience. This fusion has the potential to bring Highlife to new heights and ensure its continued relevance in the global music scene.
Conclusion
Kwabena Kwabena’s message to young artistes is clear: embrace Highlife if you want to create hit songs that stand the test of time. His own success and longevity in the industry are a testament to the enduring appeal of Highlife music. As young artistes incorporate Highlife into their music, they can create timeless hits that honor Ghana’s rich musical heritage while appealing to modern audiences.