The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has announced plans to immortalise Ghanaian music legends, including recently deceased Highlife icon Daddy Lumba, through the establishment of a National Music Museum and Hall of Fame.
MUSIGA President Bessa Simons disclosed in an interview with Graphic Showbiz on August 5 that the Union is collaborating with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) to create a permanent national music archive. The facility will document Ghana’s rich musical history, covering all genres, landmark moments and celebrated personalities.
“We are embarking on documenting our artistes. There is no proper data on many of them. For example, a great musician like C.K. Mann has no proper documentation. We will include Lumba in the list. That is why we want a national music archive to honour such icons,” Mr Simons said.
He explained that the project will also feature a Hall of Fame, where visitors can explore the contributions of music pioneers across different genres, including Highlife. In addition, MUSIGA will organise nationwide tribute concerts, educational workshops and a special seminar at the end of the year to celebrate Daddy Lumba’s legacy and highlight the evolution of Highlife.
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The initiative forms part of broader efforts to have Highlife formally recognised as part of Ghana’s intangible cultural heritage and listed by UNESCO. “Just like how Jamaica is linked to Reggae, we want Ghana to be synonymous with Highlife,” Mr Simons noted.
He further stressed the importance of reconnecting young people with Highlife, lamenting its decline in popularity. “Too often, the genre is overlooked, but it remains the foundation of much of the music we enjoy today. Every modern sound in Ghana carries echoes of Highlife,” he added.
