We Have an Identity Problem – Bisa Kdei Warns Highlife Is Losing Its Identity to Afrobeats

Ghanaian highlife musician Bisa Kdei has raised concerns about the growing identity crisis facing highlife, saying the genre is struggling to maintain its place among younger music audiences as Afrobeats and other contemporary styles continue to dominate the Ghanaian music scene.

According to the Mansa hitmaker, many young Ghanaian musicians are already incorporating highlife elements into their songs but are reluctant to openly describe their music as highlife.

Speaking in an interview on Max TV, Bisa Kdei said the problem was not necessarily a lack of highlife music, but how the genre is being identified and presented to the public.

“We have an identity problem, you know. Even though they are doing highlife, the way to position it or project it is a problem now because of the few genres that have popped up here in Ghana, especially like Afrobeats and whatnot.”

He believes the strong association of highlife with older generations has also made some younger artistes hesitant to attach the genre’s name to their music.

Bisa Kdei explained that some musicians fear their songs will be viewed as outdated if they describe them as highlife.

“People are, let me just say, a bit scared to tag their songs as highlife because most people also think that highlife is for the old.”

For him, changing that perception requires a collective effort from musicians and the wider music industry.

He specifically called on award organisers, radio personalities, DJs and the media to give highlife greater attention and help introduce the genre to a younger generation.

Bisa Kdei believes music awards could play an important role in that process. He suggested that major award schemes should consider creating stronger highlife-focused recognition to encourage more young musicians to embrace the genre.

“Award schemes, we should change a few things in award schemes. We should get the radio, the DJs, the media to talk about highlife more to the young generation.”

He also proposed a Highlife Artiste of the Year category at major award ceremonies, arguing that such recognition could encourage emerging musicians to identify more confidently with the genre.

“If we make it like Highlife Artiste of the Year, it will push a lot of the young ones to do more highlife.”

The musician’s comments come as he prepares to launch a new annual event dedicated to highlife.

Bisa Kdei is set to hold the maiden edition of “The Convention” on December 20, 2026, at the Underbridge Annex in East Legon, Accra.

The event is designed to celebrate Ghana’s highlife heritage and bring together music lovers and highlife enthusiasts for an evening of live music, entertainment and cultural experiences.

Organisers intend for the event to become an annual fixture on Ghana’s entertainment calendar, with the first edition serving as the foundation for future editions. Tickets are already on sale through *714*911# on all mobile networks and via BisaConvention.live.

Bisa Kdei, born Ronald Kwaku Dei Appiah, has spent nearly 15 years in Ghana’s music industry and has built his career largely around highlife.

He became widely known after his breakthrough with the soundtrack Azonto Ghost and went on to release songs including Mansa, Samina, Brother Brother, Over and Asew. His music has also earned him several awards and international recognition.

The singer has previously spoken about the need for Ghanaian musicians to preserve highlife by incorporating elements of the genre into contemporary music.

In an earlier interview, he argued that artistes could perform Afrobeats, dancehall or hip-hop while still retaining highlife elements to ensure that Ghana’s musical identity remains visible.

Beyond his concerns about the genre’s future, Bisa Kdei also opened up about artistes he wished he had worked with.

He mentioned the late highlife musician Daasebre Dwamena as one of the artistes he particularly wanted to collaborate with before his death.

He also revealed that he had hoped to work with Daddy Lumba, another major figure in Ghanaian highlife, before the veteran musician passed away.

Bisa Kdei said he remains open to collaborations with different musicians, stressing that his interest is primarily in creating music rather than limiting himself to particular artistes or styles.

With The Convention now scheduled for December, the musician is putting his advocacy for highlife into a live event that is intended to bring the genre and its audience together in Accra.