Ghanaian highlife goes to Switzerland June 30
Mr John Yao Agbeko (Inset) delivering his address at the launch
The Executive Director of the National Folklore Board, Mrs Bernice Dei Kumah, has advised the youth to help preserve and promote Ghanaian highlife music in all aspects of life, in spite of the ‘threat’ posed by other competing music genres in the world.
According to her, highlife music remains an essential part of the country’s heritage and young people must support efforts aimed at sustaining the genre which seems to be fading out as new styles emerge.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Ghana Day Festival and Business Expo’ in Accra last Thursday, she said highlife music contributed to dialogue on issues such as injustice, resistance, love and humanity, and must not be “left to die.”
She said it was time Ghanaian music took its rightful place along reggae and rumba music which had recently been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) list of “intangible cultural heritage of humanity.”
The two-day music concert, scheduled for June 30 to July 1, 2023, in Switzerland on the theme: “See Ghana, Buy Ghana,” is organised by the National Folklore Board (NFB) in collaboration with the Association of Ghanaian Unions in Switzerland, the Embassy of Ghana in Switzerland and the Creative Arts Agency.
Mrs. Kumah said the initiative formed part of efforts to “engage members of the cultural industry and diaspora community in Switzerland to form partnerships that would translate into investments in Ghana.”
The event, she added, “aims to provide the platform to diaspora entrepreneurs, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of corporate organisations, cultural investors, leaders and the Swizz Government to explore Ghana’s folklore and business opportunities.”
“Music is a universal language of cohesion and an excellent example of living heritage meant to unite humanity, share values and aspirations. Music is a powerful vehicle for raising awareness and reaching out to different groups of people, therefore, the prosperity of Ghanaian musicians must be a priority.
“Highlife is dying and we cannot sit back and watch highlife die. We are taking Ghanaian highlife to Switzerland to create bigger platform for the industry players,” she said.
Pledging support for young people who take up, record and perform highlife music, Mrs Kumah said the National Folklore Board would apply to UNESCO for Ghana to “claim ownership of highlife music.”
Mr Adbourahamane Diallo, UNCESCO Ghana Country Director, praised NFB for the leadership in identifying and promoting the rich intangible cultural heritage of the country.
He stressed the need to strengthen partnership with people in the Diaspora and expressed commitment at providing the needed guidance and support to ensure Ghanaian highlife is recognised at the highest level.
Mr John Yao Agbeko, Chief Director, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, believed the festival would enhance the brand identity of Ghanaian highlife music locally and internationally.
Madam Abigail Lamptey, President of the Association of Ghanaian Unions in Switzerland (AGUS) was enthused about the decision by the NFB to support the festival which started in Switzerland in 2017.
Nana Otuo Ohuahene Acheampong, Chair, Ghana Cultural Forum, stressed the need to appreciate and celebrate highlife legends while they were still alive, and further asked music organisations to unite in promoting Ghanaian music.
Mr. Bessa Simons, President of Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and Mr Frank Owusu, Head, Creative Arts Agency, all pledged support for the event and called on corporate bodies to continue supporting local acts.
Audience were treated to performances by Highlife musician Aka Blay and the Abizah Band, as well as members of Magic Eyes Band, a group of talented and visually impaired musicians.
By Ernest Nutsugah
