Musicians like Peter Somuah needed to carry Highlife forward — Ambolley

Well-known Ghanaian musician, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, has praised trumpet/flugelhorn player, Peter Somuah, for his bold tribute to Highlife, adding that musicians like him were needed to carry the cherished Ghanaian genre forward.

The Netherlands-based Somuah’s new 10-track album, aptly titled ‘Highlife’, just came out on the ACT Music label. It features Ghanaian musicians such as Agya Koo Nimo, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Pat Thomas and Lamisi Akuka. The collection blends some vintage approaches to the music with sparkling contemporary elements.

Ambolley, who is on a track called ‘Chop Chop’, says he knew Somuah in Accra before he went to live and work in the Netherlands. According to him, the trumpet/flugelhorn player sometimes met and jammed with his (Ambolley’s) Sekondi Band when they performed in the Netherlands. 

“Though his regular group comprises Dutch players and they treat all kinds of music, Somuah still embraces his roots and fuses some useful messages into what he does. I think it is a good way forward. We need musicians like him. I’m proud of him for what he is doing,” Ambolley stated.

‘Chop Chop’ is about corruption in the system. Lamisi Akuka, who used to be with the Patchbay Band but has now struck out on her own, sings about the pride and beauty of Africa on a track called ‘African Continent’ while Pat Thomas’ distinct voice rings out about gratitude on a piece called ‘We Give Thanks.’

Agya Koo Nimo gives a brief narration on the beginnings of Highlife.

One of the standout tracks on the album is ‘Mental Slavery’ which has Somuah himself on vocals. It urges us to be proud of who we are at all times and never feel inferior to anybody.

Somuah wraps all the songs on the album in delightful rhythms that entice discerning music lovers to pay attention to the whole package.

“My idea is not to show off as a superb songwriter, instrumentalist, composer or arranger. I just want to emphasise that we have this wonderful genre of music called Highlife which we should be proud of and constantly explore to our benefit,” Somuah says.  

Before settling in the Netherlands, Somuah played with some bands in Ghana including Deep Waves and Big Dreams. He was also part of the PL Crew which backed several of the nation’s best-known gospel acts at concerts and recording sessions.

He already has two albums in his name: ‘Outer Space’ was released in 2022 and ‘Letter to the Universe’ came out in 2023. This highly recommended ‘Highlife’ album is available on all major digital music distributing platforms from November 1, 2024.