Ghanaian musician Ben Brainy has sparked an important conversation about Ghana’s music industry following his recent appearance on Bryt TV with El Baby during his music video premiere.
Addressing a growing concern, Ben Brainy pointed out that Ghanaians do not hold onto their cultural and musical heritage long enough, which has allowed Nigerians to dominate and claim ownership of Highlife music.
Highlife, one of Ghana’s most treasured musical genres, has played a crucial role in shaping African music. With pioneers like E.T. Mensah, Nana Ampadu, Amakye Dede, and Daddy Lumba, the genre has long been a symbol of Ghanaian identity. However, Ben Brainy believes Ghana has not done enough to preserve and promote it.
According to the HomeTown Records signee, Ghanaian musicians often abandon their traditional sounds in pursuit of newer trends, leaving a gap that Nigerian artists have strategically filled. By fusing Highlife with Afrobeat, Nigerians have successfully rebranded and commercialized the genre, gaining international recognition while Ghana struggles to maintain its influence.
“We don’t hold onto our own for long. We started Highlife, but now it’s the Nigerians who are making it big with it. We leave what we have and chase other things,” Ben Brainy lamented during the interview.
He urged Ghanaian musicians and industry players to be more intentional about preserving and promoting Ghana’s musical identity rather than allowing foreign influences to overshadow it. He emphasized that if Ghanaians want to retain ownership of Highlife, they must invest in the genre, push it globally, and take pride in their cultural heritage.
During his appearance on Bryt TV, Ben Brainy also premiered the official music video for his latest song, Location. The song, which blends Afrobeat and Highlife influences, showcases his signature sound and storytelling ability. The visuals complement the song’s theme, adding a vibrant and engaging experience for fans.