MUSIGA teams up with UNESCO to push highlife music globally

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) recently met with Edmond Moukala, UNESCO’s Country Representative for Ghana, to discuss the nomination of Ghana’s iconic Highlife music for inclusion on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Scheduled for December 2025, the recognition is expected to boost Highlife’s global profile and unlock economic opportunities for Ghanaian musicians and the nation.

Key attendees at the meeting included Bessa Simons, President; Abena Ruthy, Second Vice President; S.K. Agyemang, General Secretary; Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, Director of Communications and Special Projects.

Others included UNESCO Culture Specialist Carl Ampah, Dr Samantha Hollingworth of MUSIGA, and Head of Ram Media Concepts Augustine Mark, producers of the forthcoming She Rhythms Ghana festival.

The meeting precedes the She Rhythms Ghana festival, set to take place from December 4-6, 2025, which will celebrate Ghana’s musical heritage, particularly the contributions of women in music.

Moukala emphasized that the UNESCO listing has significant economic potential beyond cultural pride.

“Our relationship with UNESCO is invaluable. The support we receive fortifies our efforts to preserve, promote, and sustainably develop Ghana’s musical heritage. The UNESCO recognition of Highlife will elevate our artists on the world stage and create new pathways for growth and international collaboration,” she said.

By collaborating with UNESCO, MUSIGA reaffirms its commitment to protecting Ghana’s cultural legacy and boosting the local music industry’s global impact.

Source: Graphic Online