Ghana’s iconic Highlife music has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking a major global recognition of the country’s cultural identity in recent years.
UNESCO announced the listing on Wednesday, November 10, describing Highlife as a “monumental expression of Ghana’s musical genius, culture, and global influence.” The recognition honours the musicians, communities, and institutions that have preserved and modernised Highlife across generations.
This accolade places Highlife among the world’s protected cultural treasures and is expected to boost Ghana’s international cultural profile, while attracting investment in music preservation, tourism, and the creative arts.
The UNESCO listing cements Highlife as Ghana’s most enduring musical tradition, a genre whose rhythms, horn arrangements, and storytelling have shaped national identity for over a century. Highlife has been championed by legendary musicians including E.T. Mensah, Nana Ampadu, Paapa Yankson, A.B. Crentsil, Amakye Dede, Kojo Antwi, Rex Omar, and the late K.K. Kabobo. Their works have inspired generations and influenced musical offshoots such as hiplife and Afrobeats.
More than just entertainment, Highlife serves as a cultural mirror, reflecting social issues, love, morality, migration, community life, and national aspirations. Its emotional depth, danceable rhythms, and timeless narratives resonate across ethnic, age, and social divides.
