Ghanaian singer Sista Afia is standing firm against claims that Highlife music is fading from the scene. In her view, the genre is still beating at the heart of Ghana’s musical culture.
In a recent interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, she talked about recurring debates that suggest Highlife is losing its relevance. She believes such comments dampen the genre’s legacy rather than reflecting its true state.
“I don’t like the fact that people keep saying Highlife is dead. It’s become a whole debate now. But personally, I want to keep it going. I love the music. It’s something I grew up listening to. My dad was a Highlife artiste, so it’s part of me. I don’t want it to die, not while I’m alive,” she explained.
Sista Afia highlighted the emergence of fresh talent reinvigorating the Highlife scene, naming rising artist Super Sandy, her recent collaborator, as a key voice in the genre’s revival.
“There’s this girl called Super Sandy. I love her. We have a song together. The first time I heard her, I was amazed. I felt like, wow, here’s someone who’s going to help keep the spirit of Highlife alive. And we hardly have women doing Highlife right now; we are very limited,” she added.
While admitting that women in Highlife remain underrepresented, Sista Afia affirmed her personal mission to uphold the genre’s legacy through her sound and creative alliances.
“I’ll keep doing my part to make sure Highlife stays alive,” the ‘Weather’ singer stated.
Watch a video of her statement below.
