Renowned Ghanaian highlife musician, Bisa Kdei, has made a passionate plea to DJs across the country to prioritize traditional highlife music over foreign tunes, especially during the ongoing Year of Return festivities.

Speaking in an interview with DJ Qwequ on Ahomka 99.5 FM, the musician emphasized the importance of promoting Ghana’s musical heritage to international visitors, encouraging DJs to be more intentional about playing local highlife tracks.

Bisa Kdei, whose real name is Ronald Kwaku Dei Appiah, highlighted that the Year of Return celebration presents a unique opportunity to showcase Ghana’s rich musical culture.

He urged DJs and music promoters to amplify their efforts in pushing highlife music, noting that many visitors have expressed a desire to hear more Ghanaian songs during their stay.

“It’s about time we promote our highlife songs more, especially during events,” Bisa Kdei stated. “Our music promoters are doing well, but much effort needs to be added to it. I do get calls from most visitors stating that they wish to hear Ghanaian highlife songs being played, but they hear foreign songs more, and that’s what they return with when going back to their countries.”

The highlife star also proposed the implementation of a system that would ensure at least 70% of music played on radio stations, in pubs, and other entertainment venues during such significant events would be Ghanaian highlife. He believes that consistent exposure to local music will leave a lasting impression on international visitors, helping to spread Ghana’s cultural influence abroad.

“What they hear here mostly sticks into their heads,” he added, stressing the long-term impact that increased airplay of highlife music could have on both the preservation and global appreciation of Ghanaian culture.

Bisa Kdei’s appeal comes at a time when the spotlight is on Ghana’s cultural assets, and his call to action serves as a reminder of the role that music plays in defining national identity and fostering cultural pride.