Events
Authentic Highlife Nite hosted by MUSIGA raises funds for ‘Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund’, honours Fameye
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) successfully hosted the Authentic Highlife Nite at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill, a vibrant evening dedicated to celebrating Ghana’s rich highlife heritage while raising funds for the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF). The event also honored Fameye, who recently won the Highlife Artiste of the Year award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), for his outstanding contribution to the genre.
The event was graced by distinguished personalities French Ambassador to Ghana Jules-Armand Aniambossou, UNESCO’s Country RepresentativeEdmond Moukaila, Director of Culture at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Divine Owusu-Ansah; and Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Abeiku Santana Aggrey. Representatives from various foreign missions and state agencies also attended, reflecting the cultural and diplomatic significance of the occasion.
A dynamic lineup of performances rocked the night, with legendary and contemporary artists such as Pat Thomas, Samuel Owusu, Aklerh, Old Soldier, Mr Brown, and Kaakyire Kwame Appiah. Additional captivating performances were delivered by Bessa Simons, Paulina Oduro, Adane Best and Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni who made a cameo appearance.
A citation presented to Fameye, recognizing his dedication to preserving and evolving the highlife genrestated in part, “This victory is a testament to his dedication to preserving and evolving the highlife genre, blending traditional sounds with contemporary storytelling in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. MUSIGA commends Fameye for holding firmly to highlife as a vital cultural expression, especially as his triumph coincides with the historic enlistment of highlife music as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO this year.”
In his remarks, MUSIGA President Bessa Simons emphasized the dual purpose of the night: “Tonight’s event not only allows us to enjoy authentic highlife music from Ghana’s finest artists but also continues a tradition of giving back to those who laid the foundation of our music industry. Your generous contributions tonight will directly bolster AMWeF, helping to sustain and honor the valued pioneers of our musical heritage.”
The Country representative of UNESCO, Edmond Moukaila noted that the event is a perfect precursor to the enlistment of highlife by UNESCO in December as part of the World’s Intangible Heritage and the recognition of Ghana as the origin of highlife music.
The Authentic Highlife Nite reinforced the importance of preserving Ghana’s musical legacy while supporting the welfare of the ageing musicians who have been instrumental in building the foundation of the industry. MUSIGA remains committed to nurturing and celebrating Ghanaian music culture in all its authentic forms.
