Entertainment
‘Highlife music, source of livelihood and engine of socio-economic development’
THE Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has hailed the impact of highlife music, stressing the need for the Ministry to partner relevant agencies to support practitioners and traditional communities that keep the heritage of the country alive.
According to her, highlife music and dance had created employment for many individuals, supported the economy, inspired tourism, concerts, and cultural tourism and attracted global attraction by drawing researchers and cultural enthusiasts, among others to contribute to the country’s creative economy.
As a result, her Ministry, she said, remained steadfast in promoting, preserving the genre through which the country’s cultural heritage can be advanced.
Ms Gomashie said this when she read a statement on the official recognition and listing of Ghana’s highlife music on UNESCO’s representative list for intangible cultural heritage list on the floor of Parliament on Friday.
“The highlife music and dance are not merely artistic expressions; they are sources of livelihood and engines of socio-economic development,” Ms Gomashie said.
The ministry, she stated, would therefore continue to develop policies and programmes aimed at strengthening documentation, research, and archiving traditional knowledge.
Ms Gomashie disclosed that the Ministry was working to establish a framework that protects intellectual property of practitioners and making preparation to nominate another additional Ghanaian expression for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO’s) intangible cultural heritage list.
According to Ms Gomashie, the recognition by UNESCO affirmed the country’s history, strengthens its cultural identity, and performance on the global stage.
She explained that the history of Ghana’s highlife music and dance had evolved over the years and had become a symbol of cultural pride and a cultural bridge that connected generations.
“Mr Speaker, highlife over the decades, has inspired numerous African and global music lovers, shaped the continent’s music identity, and contributed to Ghana’s International cultural footprint.”
She expressed gratitude to UNESCO for recognising and listing Ghana’s highlife music and dance on its list of intangible cultural heritage. She also praised the government for its continued support to the creative arts industry.
By Benjamin Arcton – Tettey
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Ghanaian gospel dynamo, Piesie Esther, has expressed her readiness to take home the Gospel Artiste of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year and Traditional Gospel Song of the Year awards at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The musician with many years of success under her belt in the gospel music industry has been nominated for three categories at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Piesie Esther was nominated for Gospel Artiste of the Year, Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year with her smash hit, Nyame Ye.
The award-winning musician believes that she had a wonderful year in 2025, which deserves recognition.
According to her, with over 36 shows, millions of streams enjoyed by her Nyame Ye song, coupled with numerous brand engagements, she was in a pole position to outwit other competitors.
“Family, I need your love and support now more than ever! I’ve been nominated at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards and we’re going all out for the win! ,” she noted.
She called on all and sundry that “Every single vote counts, and I truly appreciate your continuous support. Let’s do this together.”
This year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards is slated for May 9, 2026 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Patrons at +233 Bar and Lounge had an unforgettable experience at the OK@50 All White Birthday Party last Saturday, April 18.
The Ghanaian music icon, Okyeame Kwame, turned 50 years last Friday, April 17, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the ‘Rap Dacta’ organised an All-White Party on Saturday to mark his 50th birthday to raise funds for the construction of a Paediatric Emergency Ward at the Manhyia Hospital.
This is a legacy project the musician is embarking on to mark his 50th birthday.
As part of the concert, patrons were treated to scintillating live performances by Afriyie Wutah, Akwaboah, Sista Afia, Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Kwabena Kwabena, Ras Kuuku, Abiana, Adina, Abochi, Kweku Darlington, and Kunta Kinte of Bradez fame.
One of the country’s finest DJs, Andy Dosty, also had his turn to mesmerise the patrons with hits from the past to present, a moment which saw many patrons on their feet for most of the time.
Okyeame Kwame rocked the gathering with numerous hits from his repertoire, including his new song dubbed ‘Clap.’
He also expressed appreciation to those who has genuinely supported his career to impact the lives of others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
