Accra, Dec. 12, – Ghana has notched a landmark cultural victory as Highlife Music and Dance joins the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.
In a statement, the Ministry hailed the honor as validation of Highlife's status as a beloved national gem and dynamic legacy that has molded musical traditions across Africa and the world.
Born in the early 20th century on the Gold Coast, Highlife weaves local rhythms, narrative customs, and dances like Adowa, Kpanlogo, and Agbadza. Over time, it fused these roots with brass-band elements, West Indian sailor tunes, and Western instruments from coastal exchanges.
“This rich fusion produced a distinct sound marked by melodic guitars, rhythmic percussion and expressive horns that carried the lived experiences, joys, struggles and aspirations of the Ghanaian people,” the statement noted.
Highlife's dance styles – celebrated for elegant steps, group energy, and social cohesion – have cemented Ghana's cultural footprint. “Together, Highlife music and dance became enduring symbols of unity, creativity and artistic excellence, inspiring generations of musicians and projecting Ghana’s influence on the global stage.”
The Ministry thanked President John Dramani Mahama for his “visionary leadership and unwavering support” of the creative arts, crediting this to the success. It also recognized efforts by its agencies, the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Ghana National Commission for UNESCO (GNATCOM), and UNESCO's Accra office through research, outreach, and promotion.
“As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, the Ministry assures Ghanaians of our continued commitment to deepening cultural preservation and championing Ghana’s creative heritage on every global platform,” it pledged.
The Ministry vowed to ramp up bids for more global nods to Ghana's cultural treasures.
GHBUSS
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