While some argue that highlife music is fading, others believe that a new generation of artists is keeping the genre alive.
For legendary highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, one of the strongest torchbearers of the tradition is Kofi Kinaata.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s PrimeTime with George Quaye, Ambolley expressed confidence in Kinaata’s ability to carry the highlife legacy forward.
“With the direction he is taking, he is moving away from the yo-yos and staying true to highlife. He is keeping to the genre while adding his own touch to it. That shows me he is musically inclined to sustain it. We need to pass the baton, and for me, he is the only one I know who can do it,” Ambolley said.
He explained that his endorsement of Kinaata stems from consistent observation of the artiste’s body of work and his dedication to the genre.
At the 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards held at the Grand Arena in Accra, fellow highlife star Kuami Eugene was crowned “Future King of Highlife” after winning the Highlife Artiste of the Year award. The symbolic honour was presented by veteran musician Amakye Dede. However, four years later, Amakye Dede clarified that the crowning was not his personal decision but rather one made by the organisers of the scheme.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Kofi Kinaata has consistently leaned into highlife despite starting his career as a rapper. Over the years, he has produced records that resonate deeply with audiences across generations, strengthening his reputation as one of the genre’s most authentic voices.