“Highlife is Thriving, If You Want Hits, Stick to the It” – Kwabena Kwabena

Veteran musician Kwabena Kwabena has cautioned up-and-coming artistes against disregarding Highlife music, advising them not to dismiss it as outdated. The Highlife icon, who has been in the music industry for nearly two decades, believes that the genre remains the key to producing timeless hit songs.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz, Kwabena Kwabena expressed his disappointment with the current trend among young musicians who prefer other music styles over Highlife. Despite this, he remains confident that Highlife, considered by some to be “old-school,” is still the foundation of Ghanaian music and continues to hold immense potential.

“It’s unfortunate that many young artistes are opting for other genres when many of today’s smash hits are deeply rooted in Highlife,” he said. “Highlife is thriving, and if you want hits, stick to the genre. Some people may think it is old-school, but many of Ghana’s top hits, such as Fameye’s Very Soon, King Paluta’s Makoma, KiDi’s Lomo Lomo, and even Stonebwoy’s Jejereje are all rooted in Highlife.”

Kwabena Kwabena emphasized that Highlife is not only timeless but still relevant, providing a solid foundation for creating music that resonates with audiences.

Reflecting on his own two-decade-long music career, the Aso hitmaker spoke about the immense sense of gratitude he feels for the support he has received from his fans over the years. “I am humbled, honestly. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Almighty God and to my fans all over the world for their support throughout the years,” he shared.

Looking back on his career, Kwabena Kwabena noted that remaining relevant after such a long time in the industry is his greatest achievement. “Being in the industry for close to two decades is my biggest reward. Next year marks 20 years, and staying relevant all this time is the greatest gift God has given me,” he said.