The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) launched a landmark moment, “Highlife At 100” at the La Palm Beach Royal Beach Hotel, marking the 100‑year anniversary of Highlife music—a genre that has become the heartbeat of the nation’s cultural identity.
The ceremony held on Saturday brought together musicians, cultural enthusiasts, policymakers and creative‑industry leaders to honor Highlife’s enduring legacy and its profound influence on Ghanaian society.
The Highlife At 100 initiative is part of GTA’s broader effort to promote Ghana’s rich musical heritage and position Highlife as a key cultural asset for tourism and national identity.
In her keynote address, GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto described Highlife as a pillar of Ghana’s history and a powerful expression of the nation’s soul. She added that the music created something uniquely Ghanaian, a sound that narrates the truth of the people’s stories.
Houadjeto further reflected on the genre’s role as a cultural mirror, saying, “Highlife became our mirror. It reflected who we are, where we come from, and what we feel as a people. When life became heavy, Highlife spoke for us, and when joy came, Highlife danced with us.” She emphasized that beyond entertainment, Highlife serves as a vital tool for storytelling, cultural preservation and social commentary, passing wisdom and values from one generation to the next.
The celebration also paid tribute to legendary Highlife artists such as Agya Koo Nimo, Nana Ampadu, Kojo Antwi, Papa Yankson and many others, whose songs have chronicled the lived experiences of Ghanaians—from hardship and laughter to heartbreak, politics and family life. Their music, she noted, continues to resonate with audiences both at home and abroad.