Ghanaian musician, Ben Brainy, has ignited a conversation about the state of Ghana’s music industry after his recent appearance on Bryt TV.
In his interview, Ben Brainy highlighted a concerning trend where Ghanaians fail to hold on to their cultural and musical heritage, allowing Nigerians to dominate and claim ownership of Highlife music.
Highlife music has a rich history in Ghana, with legendary artists like the Kumasi Trio, E.T. Mensah, Nana Ampadu, and others shaping the genre and representing Ghanaian identity. However, Ben Brainy believes that Ghana has not done enough to preserve and promote Highlife music.
According to Ben Brainy, Ghanaian musicians often abandon their traditional sounds in pursuit of newer trends, leaving a void that Nigerian artists have strategically filled.
By blending Highlife with Afrobeat, Nigerians have successfully rebranded and commercialized the genre, gaining international recognition while Ghana struggles to maintain its influence.
Ben Brainy urged Ghanaian musicians and industry players to be intentional about preserving and promoting Ghana’s musical identity. He emphasized the importance of investing in the genre, pushing it globally, and taking pride in Ghana’s cultural heritage to maintain ownership of Highlife music.
Meanwhile, Ben Brainy has released the video for his song ‘Location’, which combines Afrobeat and Highlife influences, showcasing his unique sound and storytelling ability. The visuals complement the song’s theme, offering fans a vibrant and engaging experience.
