Veteran Highlife musician Amakye Dede is not pleased that Nigerians have taken Highlife music more serious than Ghanaians.
According to him, Nigerians have taken over the genre of music that was once vibrant in Ghana.
“The only authentic music we have is Highlife but unfortunately it is only a few young musicians who are doing pure Highlife. We have allowed the Nigerians to take that from us and it is not so good for the future of our industry”, he bemoaned.
The legendary musician also pointed out that though a few young artistes are producing Highlife songs, more can be done.
“The likes of Kuami Eugene are doing great when it comes to Highlife music but I wish more young artistes were taking up the genre,” he stated.
Amakye Dede maintained that the country should not abandon the genre of music because it was a great way of telling Ghana’s history.
“We can tell our own stories through Highlife and that is what I mostly do on my songs. I try as much as people to make sure Ghanaians can relate to my songs,” he said.
Amakye Dede began his career in 1973 when he joined the Kumapim Royals as a composer and vocalist.
This band, led by the late Akwasi Ampofo Agyei (AAA), had hits such as Abebi Bewua Eso, Wanware Me A, Odo Mani Agyina, Ohohoo Batani.
The musician formed his band, the Apollo High Kings, in 1980.
