Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, cassette tapes were everything. Growing up, they were one of the main ways we connected with our favorite artists, alongside radio. I had a Walkman with a headset that I carried everywhere, and it played a big part in shaping my love for music. That Walkman, and that era, inspired this cover art. Just as we’ve evolved from cassettes to CDs, USBs, and now digital streaming platforms (DSPs), I believe we can elevate our authentic Ghanaian sound in the same way. The transformation of how we consume music mirrors how Highlife can evolve and grow to capture a global audience. The vibrant yellow color in the artwork represents the value and preciousness of our sound, while the bold red color signifies the sacrifices made—the blood, sweat, and dedication of the originators—who have protected and nurtured this sound for generations. This cover art reflects where we’ve come from and where we’re going. It symbolizes the journey of taking something inherently ours and elevating it to new heights.
Highlife music is where my journey as an artist truly began, and it holds a significant place in Ghana’s musical history. It’s the authentic sound of our nation— the foundation that paved the way for genres like hiplife, Afrobeats, and more. Growing up, this was the music that filled the airwaves, shaping our culture and identity as Ghanaians. Highlife is the sound we can proudly call our own. This project is deeply inspired by legends like Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba, and Nana Acheampong—artists who elevated Highlife to incredible heights. As someone who has benefited from their legacy, I feel a responsibility to take this sound even further. “Higher Life” was created to remind us of who we are and what we’ve contributed to the global music scene. It feels like, amid chasing other sounds, we’ve lost touch with our musical roots. Instead of striving to replicate other genres, why not make our own sound—Highlife—more attractive and relevant? This EP is my effort to take our beloved Highlife from just “high” to “higher life”— the sound that defines us as Ghanaians, and the one we’re known for around the world.
Tracklisting
Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, cassette tapes were everything. Growing up, they were one of the main ways we connected with our favorite artists, alongside radio. I had a Walkman with a headset that I carried everywhere, and it played a big part in shaping my love for music. That Walkman, and that era, inspired this cover art. Just as we’ve evolved from cassettes to CDs, USBs, and now digital streaming platforms (DSPs), I believe we can elevate our authentic Ghanaian sound in the same way. The transformation of how we consume music mirrors how Highlife can evolve and grow to capture a global audience. The vibrant yellow color in the artwork represents the value and preciousness of our sound, while the bold red color signifies the sacrifices made—the blood, sweat, and dedication of the originators—who have protected and nurtured this sound for generations. This cover art reflects where we’ve come from and where we’re going. It symbolizes the journey of taking something inherently ours and elevating it to new heights.
Highlife music is where my journey as an artist truly began, and it holds a significant place in Ghana’s musical history. It’s the authentic sound of our nation— the foundation that paved the way for genres like hiplife, Afrobeats, and more. Growing up, this was the music that filled the airwaves, shaping our culture and identity as Ghanaians. Highlife is the sound we can proudly call our own. This project is deeply inspired by legends like Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba, and Nana Acheampong—artists who elevated Highlife to incredible heights. As someone who has benefited from their legacy, I feel a responsibility to take this sound even further. “Higher Life” was created to remind us of who we are and what we’ve contributed to the global music scene. It feels like, amid chasing other sounds, we’ve lost touch with our musical roots. Instead of striving to replicate other genres, why not make our own sound—Highlife—more attractive and relevant? This EP is my effort to take our beloved Highlife from just “high” to “higher life”— the sound that defines us as Ghanaians, and the one we’re known for around the world.
