Ghana's iconic Highlife music has been officially inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a testament to its enduring influence and cultural significance.
UNESCO officially recognised Ghana's Highlife music as an Intangible Cultural Heritage on Wednesday, November 10, hailing it as a "monumental expression of Ghana's musical genius, culture, and global influence."
Earlier in 2025, Ghana's National Folklore Board submitted the nomination dossier and steered it through the formal review process.
This prestigious recognition honours the culture bearers, musicians, communities, and institutions that have preserved and modernised Highlife across generations.
The listing solidifies Highlife's position as a protected cultural treasure, expected to boost Ghana's global cultural profile and attract investment in music preservation, tourism, and creative arts development.
As the country's most enduring sonic tradition, Highlife has shaped national consciousness for over a century with its unique rhythms, horn arrangements, and storytelling.
Highlife has been proudly championed by legendary musicians like E.T. Mensah, Koo Nimo, Nana Ampadu, Paapa Yankson, and Amakye Dede, among others, influencing generations and inspiring genres like hiplife and Afrobeats.
Highlife music is more than just entertainment - it's a cultural mirror reflecting social issues, love, morality, and national aspirations. Its emotional depth, infectious rhythms, and timeless narratives resonate with listeners across ethnicities, ages, and social classes, making it a unifying force in Ghanaian culture.
