By Zobia Zulfqar 
Ghanaian musicians are set to take Highlife music to an international audience when they perform in Barcelona, Spain, on August 2, 2026, to launch the “Highlife to the World, Black Star Experience 2027” campaign. The event is expected to mark the beginning of a global effort to celebrate, preserve, and promote Ghana’s most famous musical genre while introducing it to new audiences across the world.
The campaign forms part of preparations for the Black Star Experience 2027 initiative, which aims to showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage as the country prepares to celebrate its 70th Independence Anniversary in 2027. Organisers believe Highlife music, which has shaped the sound of many African music genres, deserves greater international recognition and stronger support for future generations.
According to the organisers, the campaign seeks to protect the history of Highlife while encouraging younger musicians to continue developing the genre. They also hope the international performances will create new opportunities for Ghanaian artists and strengthen the country’s cultural influence abroad.
The launch concert will take place at Barcelona’s SeaSeaClub and will feature performances from some of Ghana’s most respected musicians. The lineup includes Stonebwoy, Amandzeba Nat Brew, Obrafour, Bessa Simons, Jupiter, and several other artists who have contributed to the growth of Ghanaian music over the years.
The event will also include performances from Ghanaian disc jockeys based in Europe. DJ Logs, DJ Demo, DJ Enoch, and DJ King Solo are expected to entertain audiences during the concert. Spain based Nigerian DJ Enny will also make a guest appearance, adding another international element to the celebration.
Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), described the campaign as an important step in preserving one of Ghana’s greatest cultural treasures. He explained that the initiative comes at an important time following the inscription of Highlife on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
He said Highlife has influenced many music styles across Africa and continues to inspire musicians around the world. According to him, the campaign will help ensure that more people understand the history and importance of the genre.
Bessa Simons noted that Highlife is more than entertainment. He said it reflects Ghana’s culture, traditions, and identity while connecting generations through music. He believes promoting the genre internationally will encourage greater appreciation for Ghana’s cultural heritage.
Organisers say Barcelona was selected because of its vibrant multicultural community and its ability to attract music lovers from different countries. They expect the event to draw both Africans living in Europe and international audiences interested in African music and culture.
The concert will serve as the first major activity under the Highlife to the World campaign. More events are expected to follow in other countries before the official rollout of the Black Star Experience 2027 programme in March next year.
The Black Star Experience is expected to feature cultural festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and tourism activities that highlight Ghana’s history, music, arts, and traditions. Officials hope the programme will attract visitors from around the world while creating economic opportunities for local businesses and artists.
Highlife music has remained one of Ghana’s most important cultural exports for decades. The genre combines traditional Ghanaian rhythms with influences from jazz, brass band music, and other international styles. Over the years, it has inspired Afrobeats, hiplife, and several modern African music genres.
Many legendary Ghanaian musicians helped make Highlife popular across Africa, and today’s artists continue to build on that legacy by blending traditional sounds with modern music styles. The upcoming Barcelona concert aims to remind global audiences of Highlife’s lasting influence and its important place in African music history.
Supporters of the initiative believe the campaign will help introduce Highlife to younger listeners while strengthening Ghana’s image as a leading destination for music, culture, and tourism. They also hope the performances will inspire more international collaborations between Ghanaian artists and musicians from other parts of the world.
As preparations continue for the August 2 concert, excitement is growing among music fans who see the event as an opportunity to celebrate Ghana’s cultural identity on the global stage. The launch of the Highlife to the World campaign is expected to be an important step toward ensuring that Ghana’s signature music genre continues to thrive both at home and internationally.
Also Read: Ghana Launches Diplomatic Protest Over Canada Visa Denial of Thomas Partey
Comments are closed.