DeThompsonDDT is a Ghanaian musician and producer
Highlife music, one of Ghana’s most treasured musical legacies, is gradually losing its presence in the Western Region, an area many regard as the root of the genre.
This decline has sparked concern among music lovers and cultural advocates. The worrying trend was recently highlighted by award-winning Ghanaian musician and producer Elijah Nortey Thompson, popularly known in the industry as DeThompsonDDT, who took to Facebook to express his frustration and call for immediate action.
In his post, DeThompsonDDT lamented how Highlife, once the heartbeat of social life in many parts of the Western Region, is slowly dying in his hometown.
According to him, the genre that shaped generations and told authentic Ghanaian stories is being pushed to the background as newer sounds dominate the airwaves.
“When we talk about it, the Fantes, especially those from the West Side, have always done it best,” he noted.
However, he added that the current situation is worrying, as the culture and appreciation for the sound are rapidly declining. “Now dea wayɛ nsem pii,” he emphasized in Akan, expressing deep disappointment over how things have changed.
Historically, the Western Region has played a significant role in the growth of Highlife, producing timeless rhythms that blended traditional melodies with modern influences.
From community gatherings to major celebrations, Highlife once served as the soundtrack of everyday life. Today, however, DeThompsonDDT believes that without conscious effort, the genre could fade completely from the region’s musical identity.
He has therefore called for an urgent revival of Highlife, urging musicians, producers, DJs, event organisers, and cultural stakeholders to take responsibility.
According to him, preserving Highlife is not just about music but about protecting heritage, language, and storytelling passed down through generations.
As conversations continue online, many music lovers agree that reviving Highlife in the Western Region will require collective effort, from supporting local Highlife artistes to creating platforms that celebrate and promote the genre.
The question now remains: will the call to resurrect Highlife be answered before it is too late?
