Remembering Our Music Heroes.....a Look At Highlife Music Of Ghana

If you asked anybody on the street in Ghana about what is the most popular music today, the answer would vary from person to person but the majority would say....FAITH BASED MUSIC....aka GOSPEL MUSIC. Other answers would range from Highlife, Hiplife to Reggae. Changing times, changing Music right?
How many of our people know that what is called popular gospel music are simply good highlife music rhythms with gospel messaged lyrics? The real answer to this development will be answered in our next article titled Music and Politics in Ghana.

What many of the new generation people do not know is how our music have evolved from typically folk one through becoming urban music as a result of rural-urban migration with a designation palm wine music to the ever popular Highlife music to today's Hiplife. This article is just a brief attempt to share cultural information with our people, however, we want to assure the ardent reader and those with high interests in African studies to check our overall presence on the web by visiting our website the International Center for African Culture & Arts: http://www.icacaonline.org for more detailed information on Ghana and other African countries.

"Highlife is a popular musical genre that originated in Ghana in the 1900s and spread to Sierra Leone, Nigeria and other West African countries by 1920. It is very popular in Liberia and all of English-speaking West Africa, although little has been produced in other countries due to economic challenges brought on by war and instability.
Highlife is characterized by jazzy horns and multiple guitars which lead the band. Recently it has acquired an uptempo, synth-driven sound" (WIKIPEDIA)

HIGHLIFE MUSIC DEVELOPMENT
Highlife music from Ghana and Sierra Leone emerged in the 1920's and has been a major influence on all subsequent African Music. A fusion of indigenous dance rhythms and melodies with Western sounds began in the coastal towns of Ghana, including. regimental brass bands, sea shanties, hymns; European foxtrots and Caribbean kaiso, with African rhythms of Liberia (dagomba), Sierra Leone (ashiko and goombe) and Fante (osibisaba). The instrumentation included African drums, harmonicas, guitars, accordions; and by 1920's were known collectively as Highlife. During 1930s three distinct styles emerged: ballroom dance style for the coastal elite, a village brass band style, and rural guitar bands playing a less Westernized style for a less Westernized audience.

HISTORY OF HIGHLIFE MUSIC IN WEST AFRICA
By this time bands were springing up all along the coast of West Africa, including Nigeria; during '30s--40s thousands of records were issued for the West African market and the music began to establish an international reputation. During WWII big-band jazz became an influence and in '47 the most important post-war band emerged:

E. T. Mensah and the Tempos Band toured widely with enormous impact, spawning hundreds of imitators. The '50s--60s were a golden age, with bands like the Tempos, Black Beats, Uhurus and Broadway in Ghana, Bobby Benson, Rex Lawson, Roy Chicago and Victor Olaiya in Nigeria; and the rural guitar bands had also flourished, in early '50s evolving the concert party, a fusion of highlife and comic theatre.
Leaders in this style were E. K. Nyame, Onyina, Kakaiku and (in '60s) Nana Ampadu's African Brothers International Band. By the '70s highlife was perhaps past its peak; juju began to take over in western Nigeria, though highlife was maintained in eastern Nigeria by Celestine Ukwu, Osita Osadebe, Prince Nico, the Ikengas, the Oriental Brothers International Big Band.
Even in Ghana highlife was affected by the disco invasion, though styles continued to be developed by C. K. Mann, the Sweet Talks and Alex Konadu. Not just an Anglophone African phenomenon, highlife influenced. for example the modern Congolese sound; and the single most influential. African style to have emerged remains open to innovation. "
http://www.alisdair.com/africanpages/africanhighlife.html

Below are some of the names that have made great contributions to Ghanas rich popular and contemporary music.

Amakye Dede, the Agogo native and the owner of the Abrante3 spot, Abeka Lapaz and the CEO of the Appollo Highkings Football Club has many hits, famous among them Sasankroma, IRON BOY,To be a Man, Dabi Dabi etc.

Akwasi Ampofo Adjei , the teacher of Amakye Dede from Ashanti Mampong is credited with Mber Dani, WOTETE ME,IF YOU DO GOOD.

Dr. F. Kenya, one of the Nzema born musicians, Kenya was a pillar in F. Kenya's band.
F. Kenya was born in the Ghanaian town of Asima in the Eastern Nzema District. Trained as a goldsmith, he started singing in the mid 60's with the Ahamanos band and later joined Kaikaiku's No. 1 band before going out his own in the late 70's. He was one of the first popular singers to sing in his native Nzema language and the energy in his vocals and performances made him very popular in Ghana and neighboring Ivory Coast.

Mr. F. Micah of the famous F. Micah's Concert Band fame

Dr. Paa Bobo of Wo Nyamesom Mpo Ni fame

E. K . Nyame of E. K.'s band fame.

Kwabena Okai of E. K's Band Fame

Dr. K. Gyasi is the gentleman from Kumasi who owned and led the mighty K. Gyasi Band.
Nana Tuffour, a versatile musician and prominent keyboard player in his own class, Nana known abroad by his numerous white fans as 9924 belongs to the modern highlife group with his Dinah hit.
Obouba J.A. Adofo, in his hey days was like Michael Jackson, his live concert shows were always sold out events, he is known for his evergreen AKWAANOBI hit. Obouba still performs.

Kwabena Ampah of Talkatives band fame

Ewura Ama Badu, one of the female pioneers of highlife music with her MEDOFO ADADAME hit

Lady Talata played for many bands before relocating to the United States where she lives now still performing. Talata is currently out with a new album, please send us copies for review.
Nat Awuni formerly of Uppers International band, a superb vocalist now a pastor in the US.

Nana Kwame Ampadu, still going strong and playing. Nana is credited with the famous OBRA song.
Oheneba Kissi is considered a Burger Highlife Musician because most of hits are recorded abroad and has the burger beat flavour.

Prince Osei Kofi played for Nana Kwame Ampadu as the assistant leader, later founded his own band African Beats Band.

Armah Pino, the golden voice man credited with Ozimzim and WOSISI ANANSE hit.

Kyeremanteng of Apagya Dance band, a classic highlife musician is popular with so many its.
Aseibu Amanfi is the man behind KA NA WU NSEM BI Y3 EHI hit

K.K.Kabobo, the super social commentator from Takoradi of Asante parentage was a very powerful singer and is credited with ONYAME ME EHU WO.

Charles Kojo Fosu aka DL, the lovers man, many fans call him by that accolade, Kojo started with Nana Acheampong and were known as Lumba Brothers with their hit song YEY3 AKA AKWANTUO MU.
Nana Acheampong, the other partner in the Lumba Brothers band, he went solo and he is a hit star.
Kojo Antwi, what else can one say about this Apagya band Boom Talents, Classic Handles and Vibes product who is the ultimate love ballads hit man in Ghana?

Gemann of Highlife in G Major Fame ....a former national champion, Gemann now a minister of God based in Holland with a Radio and TV station, made a great name with the Highlife in G Major. Like his mentor, Michael Jackson, Gemann's music is still a hit.

Rex Omar...Many people do not know that Rex is a superb drum set drummer, a party in Ghana without the playing of popular ABIIBA....well, the youth go ballistic over that.

Nat Brew....heard of Kpanlogo Y3de? A collaboration with Akosua Agyapon and Rex Omar produced that hit song.

Waterproof....yes, many people do not know that he made some good music with his ODOMANKOMA band.

Snr. Eddie Donkoh.....have you heard of ASIKO DARLING? or DESTINY? Late Snr Eddie made superb contributions to Ghana.

Akosua Agyapon...when it comes to music addressing feminine issues, Akosua Agyapon is a pioneer, her special tribute to women was in her song MEY3 OBAA. Congrats Akosua.

Sibo Brothers-Charles Fosu Oware......these were two young people whose time also created a new brand of highlife. They were popular with their hit....NYIMPA Y3 ADE3 )S3 AYEYI.

Super Yaw Ofori.....A contemporary of Sibo Brothers, Super Yaw Ofori is credited with NYIMPA Y3 f##king song.

Pozo Hayes was a physically challenged musician. He is popular with ADZE AY3 ME and AMELEMENA.
Sir Roberto.....belongs to the Burger highlife music generation and is the man behind AKWELE

Kwaisey Pee....The son of Ghana's super classic hit music maker,Agyaaku, Kwaisey Pee voice is sometimes mistaken to be that of Kojo Antwi....Popular hit KROKRO ME and the ladies love that.
Kwasi Selassie....if you have any problem in life dont give up because an Agona native Ghanaian born Canada based Kwesi Selassie has MANY PROBLEMS song to cheer you up.

Felix Bell, one of the pioneer reggae highlife musicians to record, Felix is remembered greatly for his energetic moves during live shows. LORD COME DOWN NOW was one of his popular hits.

Tony Mensah...was a lead vocalist of the then Tema Talk of the Town Hotel band, TALKATIVES. Tony who later played A.B. Crentsil's band was sweet on the microphone.

Frank Mensah, one of the few physically challenged musicians in Ghana, Frank had sweet voice and his music kept patrons on the floor for hours.

Tony Wiredu, a partner of Frank Mensah, he was also physically challenged but his music never showed any sign of disability at all. The duo were an inspiration to the physically challenged.
Teacher Boateng of Teacher and His Africana. Have you heard of the popular highlife Classic

OHENEBA NE NEA NO PAPA TE ASE? Teacher is the man. Full of wisdon, he educated and inspired many people through his music.

Joe Mensah....may he rest in peace, Joe played for Sweet Talks band, sojourned in Nigeria before relocating to ply his music trade in the United States. BOSOE was his signature tune and is still very popular classic highlife music.

Duku Kyenkyenhene, a very talented guitarist who started his profession at the then Mankessim based Andoh Brothers Band, he was poached by Dr.Paa Bobo and their partnership led to so many hits inclusing OSOBOTWERE.

Jerry Hanson, a classic highlife musician, at their prime they played at all the states' dance functions for national and international dignatories.

Eric Agyeman...currently based in the United States, Eric the ahomansiahene (king of rhythm guitar) played many bands before forming his own KOKROKO band. He had so many popular hits but he is noted for M'ASEM and WONKO NE MENKO ANAA songs.

Samuel Owusu....belonged to the modern highlife musicians and he is known for his hit song...MAKO..YEKAA WONNTSIE

Felix Owusu....also one of the modern highlife musicians is currently based in Texas working for the US government. His hits include W'ABEN, WOE SHOW ME, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Kwesi Owusu is currently out with a new album SIKA ......hei Mr. Kwesi...send us a promo copy for review.

Eric Boadi......played so many bands and later relocated to the US and returned to Ghana with his own band BIG MOUTH.

Thomas Frimpong.....if you do any good for any one and the person do not show any appreciation, just look for Thomas Music AYEYI and the insinuation will be heard.

Smart Nkansah partnered with Agyaaku to churn out great hits.....which included AYARESA, SUNSUM YEDI BIRIBI ABA, HWAN NA OBA YI.

Agyaaku.....who passed recently was the man with the silky voice with the hit song, SERWAA AKOTO.

P.K Yamoah....it was under his tutelage that Agyaaku became popular......NYA ASEM HW3,EWI3.
Nana Akwaboah is credited with many classic highlife songs.

Kakaiku is credited with so many classic highlife hits among them AGYANKA BA, OHIA MA ADWENADWEN.

Akwaboah Jnr, the son of Nana Akwaboah, played with Armah Pino in the Marriots Band.
Rim Akandoh is one of the forgotten classic highlife musicians in Ghana, in his days, he was a crowd puller at concerts in Ghana.

Pat Thomas played many bands in Ghana and recorded many hits before relocating to live in Canada. He is known for SIKA YE MOGYA.

C. K Mann....Uncle C. K as he known in the twin city is credited with so many hits popular among them ARABA LUCY, ADWOA YANKEE, KYERE MA ASE, SOM NYAME.

Paapa Yankson, a former partner of C. K Mann, Paapa Yankson's contribution to Ghana's music history is too valuable. He played Western Diamond CD band before going Solo. OKUKUSEKU is one of the hitz that his name is associated with.

Bob Cole...., a popular Ghanaian comedy "I Told You So" with its hit song AGYAA EIWARE OOOO made him a darling of Ghanaian music fans. May his soul rest in Peace.

Kofi Bentsil....a former lead singer of the popular super dance band with unsurpassed sound quality in the 1990s that earned them the name WESTERN DIAMOND CD, Kofi made a name with the band. The hit song WONSI MPIA....has his voice testifying his great prowess.

Gyadu Blay Ambulley, a former Tema Food Complex Band member, he evolved from Zantoda Mac 3 to other names before moving to stay permanently in the US. Considered Ghana's answer to Jazz rendtions, Ambulley is also considered to the father of Ghana rap music in vintage vein. AKOK)BA is his star hit. He is back in Ghana and his latest collaboration with UK based Ghanaian hiplife star Sway is going to be a hit.

Dada K.D, currently based in Germany, this man is a singer of love ballads. Is he moving away from Burger love highlife tunes? If we dont get your latest album, we will assume this is true.....Daddy send us a copy for review.

Harry Abban is a contemporary of Sibo Brothers and Dada KD and he has a unique feature in his music, heavy hard bass and drum lines....very danceable tunes always a hit in the rural and urban communities.

George Darku and Lee Doudo are credited with pionerering Burger Highlife music. AKOO TE BROFO and HIGHLIFE AGOGO are popular hot songs associated with their names.

Kwame Sarpong.....a former musician with Osei Kofi's band, Sarpong became popualr in Ghana through his hit song ATISCO LOVE. This is the man and currently based in the US, we have gravine information that he is getting ready to come out with a new album.

Please note that many of the names mentioned have made grandiose contribution to the development and growth of Ghana's highlife music. While some of the names have made special contributions across decades, others' contributions cannot be easily overlooked when one thinks of the our popular music's history. This list is not exhaustive of all the highlife musicians, we encourage readers to share the article with family, friends and others, and to suggest names of musicians that we didnt mention here so that we can undertake research on them.

We also want to encourage readers that selections of some of these songs can be heard through our weekly social change music program titled ANANSEKROM on one of our affiliated radio stations:

http://www.akwaabaradio.com
http://www.anidasooradio.com
http://www.gloveradio.com
http://www.ahemforadio.com
http://www.mightyfm.com

We are also appealing to the goverment and other donor agencies to support our efforts at documenting and archiving our rich musical heritage and stories.