UNESCO designates Highlife as intangible cultural heritage amid revival by new musicians

Often called the “grandfather” of modern African music, Highlife was born a century ago in the port cities of Ghana. Blending colonial brass with traditional rhythms, it became the soundtrack of West African independence. Now, the genre has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. And as Highlife enters its second century, a new generation of musicians is making sure it doesn’t just survive - but evolves.