Yaw Ray, the talented Ghanaian artist known for his captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics, is proud to announce the release of his latest EP, Higher Life. This project taps into the roots of Ghanaian music and reintroduces the classic Highlife genre in a way that connects with modern audiences.
Inspiration Behind “Higher Life”
“Higher Life” is not just an EP—it’s a tribute to Ghana’s musical heritage. Yaw Ray revisits Highlife, the genre that laid the foundation for countless other sounds, including hiplife and Afrobeats, to bring listeners back to the essence of Ghanaian music. Yaw Ray explains, “Highlife is where it all started—not just for my musical career but for the entire Ghanaian music scene. This sound has influenced generations, and icons like Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba, and Nana Acheampong paved the way. I created this project as a reminder of who we are and the musical identity we should embrace. While many are chasing other sounds, I believe it’s time we take our own sound—Highlife—and elevate it to the global stage. Let’s take it from Highlife to Higher Life.”
Album Cover Art: A Journey of Elevation
The “Higher Life” album cover pays homage to the cassette era of the late 90s and early 2000s, when Walkman and mixtapes ruled the scene. Growing up with these, Yaw Ray reflects on how music consumption has evolved—from cassettes to CDs, USBs, and now streaming platforms. This evolution mirrors Yaw Ray’s vision of elevating Ghana’s sound for the global market. The vibrant yellow on the cover symbolizes the immense value of our music, while the bold red represents the sacrifices—the blood and dedication of those who came before us, protecting and nurturing our musical heritage. The artwork embodies the journey from humble beginnings to a global audience, much like the Highlife genre itself.
Track list
- Nana Ama
- Odo Asem
- Fix It
- Favorite Person
- Okofo
To celebrate the release of Higher Life, Yaw Ray will be sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the making of the EP on his social media platforms. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation and share their thoughts
Release Details
“Higher Life” is now available for streaming and download on all major platforms.
