Joy FM's Showbiz Roundtable on preserving highlife earns strong praise

Joy FM's Showbiz Roundtable, an annual event held as part of Ghana Month celebrations, convened on Saturday, March 14, 2026, to discuss the preservation of highlife music as a vital element of Ghana's cultural heritage. The eighth edition of the program, broadcast across Joy FM, JoyPrime, and JoyNews, featured a panel of prominent figures in the music industry, including ethnomusicologist Professor John Collins, highlife musician Amandzeba, audio engineer Kofi Boachie-Ansah (Beatmenace), musician Adina, and veteran music producer Jonas Bibi Hammond. The event also included a keynote address from the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, and remarks from UNESCO's Carl Ampah regarding highlife's potential inscription as an intangible cultural heritage.

The roundtable discussion generated significant positive feedback, with listeners praising the depth of knowledge displayed by the panelists and the program's potential to inspire future generations of highlife musicians. Audience members like Kofi Appiah suggested the creation of a government fund to support highlife production, while others emphasized the need to reposition the genre for contemporary audiences. The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority highlighted the importance of Ghana capitalizing on the highlife genre and ensuring its transmission to future generations. UNESCO's representative offered insights into the significance of highlife being recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.

Highlife's significance extends beyond mere entertainment; it represents a crucial part of Ghana's post-independence identity and cultural expression. Emerging in the early 20th century, highlife blended indigenous rhythms with Western musical instruments and influences. The genre served as a soundtrack to Ghana's independence movement and continues to evolve, reflecting the nation's social and political landscape. Discussions about preserving highlife are particularly relevant in an era dominated by Afrobeats and other globally popular genres, raising concerns about the potential marginalization of this foundational Ghanaian musical form.

The discussion impacts various stakeholders, including musicians, music producers, policymakers, and the Ghanaian public. For musicians, the preservation of highlife offers opportunities for artistic innovation and cultural continuity. Policymakers face the challenge of creating an environment that supports highlife music while fostering creativity and innovation across all genres. The Ghanaian public benefits from a vibrant and diverse musical landscape that reflects the nation's rich cultural heritage. The perspectives vary, with some advocating for government intervention and financial support, while others emphasize the importance of organic growth and adaptation to contemporary tastes.

The future of highlife hinges on the ability of stakeholders to collaborate and implement effective strategies for its preservation and promotion. Questions remain about the specific policies and initiatives that will be most effective in supporting highlife musicians and fostering greater appreciation for the genre among younger generations. The outcome of this conversation will likely influence the direction of Ghana's music industry and the nation's cultural identity for years to come.