Smart Nkansah, a prominent figure in Ghana’s music industry, has sparked controversy by attributing the decline of Highlife music to DJs. Nkansah’s provocative remarks highlight concerns that the genre, once a cornerstone of Ghanaian music, is being overshadowed by other musical styles due to DJs’ shifting preferences.

The founding member of the Sweet Talks Band and a key figure in the African Brothers Band, has played an influential role in shaping the sound of highlife music in Ghana. Recently, on GTV’s Spectacle, hosted by Hagar Owusu and Kojo Kinn, Mr. Nkansah spoke at length about the decline of highlife music, attributing the issue to DJs. He argued that DJs no longer prioritize the genre, leading to its reduced visibility and appreciation among younger audiences.

When asked about the current state of highlife music in Ghana, Smart Nkansah said he believes the genre is no longer as appreciated as it once was. He remarked that there is now little difference between the rhythms of Ghanaian and Nigerian music, noting how Ghanaians often abandon their own music in favor of foreign styles. Smart stated that he has long advocated for highlife. He explained that the younger generation shifted their focus to foreign genres, especially after studying abroad. Many of these young people became DJs and neglected highlife.

Smart Nkansah clarified that it’s not that the older generation stopped making highlife music; rather, it stopped being played on the airwaves. He recalled how DJs like Charley Sam and Freddie Quaicoe valued and promoted highlife when they were in charge. However, when younger DJs took over, they switched to hiplife, popularized by Reggie Rockstone, marking the beginning of highlife’s decline.

Smart Nkansah urges a renewed appreciation of highlife, calling on both the music industry and audiences to recognize and promote the genre that once defined Ghana’s cultural sound.