Kwabena Kwabena Advises Young Artists to Embrace Highlife for Chart-Topping Hits
Kwabena Kwabena, one of Ghana’s renowned Highlife musicians, has a valuable piece of advice for the younger generation of artistes who are hesitant to embrace Highlife music: they are making a significant mistake. With nearly two decades of experience in the music industry, the accomplished musician is convinced that Highlife remains a vital genre for creating timeless hits. Despite some young artistes dismissing it as outdated, Kwabena Kwabena believes the genre continues to thrive and remains the cornerstone of Ghana’s music scene.
In a recent conversation with Graphic Showbiz, Kwabena Kwabena expressed his disappointment at the trend where many emerging artistes opt for other genres, believing that Highlife is old-fashioned. He pointed out that this perception is far from the truth, especially since many of today’s chart-topping hits are deeply rooted in Highlife, showcasing its ability to evolve while retaining its core influence on modern music. For Kwabena Kwabena, Highlife is not only timeless but also a key ingredient for creating long-lasting success in the Ghanaian music industry.
Highlighting the genre’s continued influence, Kwabena Kwabena mentioned that songs such as Fameye’s Very Soon, King Paluta’s Makoma, KiDi’s Lomo Lomo, and Stonebwoy’s Jejereje are all rooted in Highlife. These tracks, which have become massive hits, demonstrate that Highlife is not just a thing of the past but is alive and well in the present-day music landscape. While some may still see it as a relic of the past, Kwabena Kwabena is adamant that Highlife is far from being outmoded. He believes that artistes can find great success by sticking to the genre, regardless of current trends.
“Highlife is thriving, and if you want hits, stick to the genre. Some people may think it’s 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 said. His statement serves as a reminder that despite the rise of other musical styles, Highlife remains foundational to Ghana’s musical identity.
Reflecting on his own career, which has spanned almost two decades, Kwabena Kwabena admitted that it has been a humbling journey. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to both God and his loyal fans, whose constant support has been crucial to his sustained success. “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 over the years,” he said. His comments reflect a deep sense of appreciation for his long-standing relationship with his audience and the music industry.
For Kwabena Kwabena, the greatest reward has been the ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing music scene. Staying in the industry for such an extended period, with continued influence and impact, is the most rewarding part of his career. “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 shared, reflecting on his longevity in the business.
Kwabena Kwabena’s comments provide valuable insights for aspiring artistes, encouraging them to embrace Highlife and recognize its enduring significance. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, he advocates for staying true to the genre’s roots, which has stood the test of time and continues to dominate the music scene. By focusing on Highlife, young musicians have the opportunity to create music that not only resonates with audiences but also leaves a lasting legacy.
His dedication to Highlife and his belief in its relevance underscores his passion for the genre and his commitment to maintaining Ghana’s musical traditions. As a veteran of the industry, Kwabena Kwabena’s advice carries weight, reminding the next generation that the key to creating timeless, hit songs may very well lie in embracing Highlife and contributing their own unique perspective to this rich musical tradition.
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