PRESIDENT of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and celebrated Highlife musician Bessa Simons has expressed deep concern over what he describes as a gradual loss of interest in Highlife music among Ghana’s youth a genre that once defined the country’s musical identity.
Although the current generation of artistes is highly talented, many are drifting away from the authentic sounds, rhythms and storytelling that made Highlife uniquely Ghanaian.
In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, Bessa Simons explained that the inability of many young people to appreciate authentic Highlife music has led to a steady decline in its popularity.
He warned that if the trend continues, it could mark the beginning of the end for the genre as more young people gravitate toward newer sounds such as Afrobeats and Amapiano.
“Highlife should be getting special attention. We have to work hard to make the youth believe in it again.
“Many have withdrawn because we don’t speak positively about Highlife artistes. Yet every type of Ghanaian music today carries elements of Highlife.
“The problem is that the new songs lack the core ingredients that gave traditional Highlife its soul,” he stressed.
The MUSIGA president also pointed out that one reason for the genre’s decline is that many of its pioneers stopped recording too soon, leaving behind a creative vacuum that has made it difficult for younger artistes to find proper guidance.
“The older guys stopped recording too early and I include myself in that,” he admitted.
“If we had continued releasing music, there would be more authentic Highlife around for the younger generation to learn from. The kids are trying, but they’re missing a lot of the true Highlife essence,” he added.
Bessa Simons acknowledged ongoing efforts to revive and promote the genre but emphasised that much more must be done both at the industry and national levels.
He called for proper documentation, training and sensitisation to sustain Highlife’s legacy for future generations.
He also discussed how technology could play a vital role in modernising the industry.
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