Highlife Legends I K Nyame and Onyina's Music Legacy| Part 1- Conversations with Prof John Collins

In this opening episode of The Sound of Gold interview series, legendary Highlife historian and ethnomusicologist Professor John Collins takes us deep into the origins of Ghana’s most influential sound.

He traces the birth of Highlife from its palm wine guitar traditions and colonial-era concert parties to the rise of dance bands that blended African rhythms with Caribbean, European, and American influences.

Prof. Collins also dives into the powerful role Highlife music played in Ghana’s independence struggle — becoming a voice for freedom, national identity, and unity in the years leading up to and after independence.

In its early days, Highlife was more than entertainment — it was a medium for social commentary, addressing issues of daily life, love, politics, and morality. Through its melodies and lyrics, it shaped the mindset and mentality of Ghanaians, influencing how they saw themselves and their nation’s future.

And in clearing a long-standing debate, Prof. Collins cements the fact that the name “Highlife” originated in Ghana, not Nigeria — reaffirming its roots as a proudly Ghanaian creation that went on to conquer Africa and the world.

Видео Highlife Legends I K Nyame and Onyina's Music Legacy| Part 1- Conversations with Prof John Collins канала CW Studios Global