Ben Brainy Talks Ghana’s Musical Heritage and Highlife’s Future on Bryt TV
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| Ben Brainy |
Ghanaian musician Ben Brainy has sparked an important conversation about the state of Ghana’s music industry in a recent interview on Bryt TV. The artist, known for his blend of Afrobeat and Highlife, raised concerns about how Ghanaians have not done enough to preserve and champion Highlife music, which has allowed Nigerians to take ownership of the genre.
Highlife, a genre deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, has long been one of the country’s musical cornerstones. Pioneers like E.K. Nyame, E.T. Mensah, Nana Ampadu, and others helped shape the genre, which has since become an emblem of Ghanaian identity. Yet, Ben Brainy believes that Ghana has not prioritized preserving this musical legacy, leaving room for others to step in.
During his interview with El Baby, Brainy pointed out that Ghanaian musicians often move away from traditional sounds, chasing newer trends and global fads. This shift has opened the door for Nigerian artists to take Highlife and rebrand it, fusing it with Afrobeat and creating a sound that has gained widespread international appeal. “We don’t hold onto our own for long. We started Highlife, but now it’s the Nigerians who are making it big with it. We leave what we have and chase other things,” he lamented.
Brainy’s comments highlight the need for Ghanaian artists and industry players to refocus on nurturing and promoting their musical heritage. He urged his peers to make a concerted effort to keep Highlife alive, pushing it to the global stage while staying true to their roots. According to him, if Ghanaians want to reclaim ownership of Highlife, it’s essential to invest in the genre and take pride in the cultural legacy it represents.
On a brighter note, Ben Brainy has also released the video for his latest track, ‘Location’, which blends Afrobeat with Highlife influences. The song reflects his distinctive sound and storytelling style, while the accompanying visuals add an extra layer of energy, bringing the song’s vibrant themes to life.
With ‘Location’, Ben Brainy is not only making strides in the music scene but also helping to keep the conversation about Ghanaian musical identity alive. His message is clear: to preserve and promote Ghana’s musical heritage, both the industry and its artists must take ownership and pride in the sounds that made them who they are.