Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Launches Highlife at 100
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched a landmark national and global cultural initiative commemorating 100 years of the country’s most enduring and influential musical genre—Highlife. The officially and historic launch of Highlife at 100 held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, brought together cultural icons, policymakers, creative industry leaders, musicians and lovers of Ghanaian music, united by one powerful truth: Highlife is not just music; it is Ghana’s story, spirit and signature to the world.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, described Highlife as “one of Ghana’s greatest cultural exports—an artistic language that has narrated our joys, struggles, resilience and aspirations for a century.”
“Highlife is the soundtrack of our national journey. It has crossed generations, borders and social classes, and it continues to define who we are as Ghanaians,” the CEO stated. She emphasized that Highlife at 100 is not a nostalgic exercise, but a strategic cultural tourism and creative economy intervention, aimed at repositioning Ghana’s music heritage as a global asset while unlocking new opportunities for artists, festivals, education, archives and international collaborations.
“This centenary is about honouring the past, empowering the present, and securing the future of Highlife for the next hundred years,” she added.
A Night of Tribute, Performance and Cultural Pride
The evening was rich with powerful artistic moments that brought Highlife’s legacy vividly to life. In a symbolic and emotional performance, the Executive Director of Creative Arts, Mr. Gideon Ayequaye, took to the stage to perform a classic Highlife piece made popular by Pat Thomas and the late Paapa Yankson, drawing resounding applause and underscoring the genre’s timeless appeal.
A moving tribute was paid to departed Highlife legends, as the gathering observed a minute of silence in honour of the pioneers whose voices laid the foundation of Ghana’s musical identity. A special tribute was also paid to Daddy Lumba, whose extraordinary contribution, longevity and influence have indelibly shaped modern Highlife and Ghanaian music. The CEO described him as “a cultural force whose artistry redefined Highlife for contemporary audiences while preserving its soul.”
Electrifying Performances Across Generations
The launch featured outstanding performances from celebrated Highlife and contemporary musicians. Legendary maestro Pat Thomas delivered a masterclass in musical excellence, while Pozo Hayes and Amanzeba Nat Brew infused the night with rich rhythm, storytelling and cultural depth.
Award-winning singer Adina brought a modern Highlife interpretation to the stage, seamlessly bridging generations, while the Bessa Band thrilled the audience with a phenomenal performance that reaffirmed the enduring power of live Highlife music. Adding visual and cultural elegance to the evening, Asabea Kropper graced the stage clad in her iconic kente, embodying the fusion of music, heritage and Ghanaian identity.
Distinguished Personalities in Attendance
The launch attracted key figures from tourism, culture and the creative industries. In attendance were the Board Chairperson of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ms. Emefa Donkor, a member of the GTA Board, Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, and respected media and creative industry leader, Chief Executive Officer of Empire (EIB Network), Mr. Nathan Anokye Adisi (Bola Ray).
Their presence reaffirmed the shared national commitment to positioning Highlife as a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural diplomacy and tourism development.
Highlife as Heritage, Identity and Tourism Capital
The launch reaffirmed GTA’s commitment—working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and industry stakeholders—to leverage Highlife as a driver of heritage tourism, diaspora engagement and creative economy growth.
Highlife at 100 will unfold through a year-long programme of concerts, festivals, academic dialogues, exhibitions, recordings and international showcases, firmly positioning Ghana as the undisputed home of Highlife. “When the world thinks of Highlife, it must think of Ghana. And when they think of Ghana, they must hear Highlife,” Maame Efua Houadjeto declared.
A Call to the Nation and the World
The CEO concluded with a rallying call to musicians, cultural institutions, the private sector, the diaspora and young creatives to protect, promote and reimagine Highlife. “This is our inheritance—and our responsibility. Highlife at 100 is Ghana telling the world, with confidence and clarity, that our culture is alive, relevant and globally competitive.”
As the evening at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel drew to a close, one message resonated powerfully:
Highlife lives. Highlife leads. And at 100, Highlife is just getting started.
