The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has announced a major cultural initiative to celebrate and preserve the country’s rich musical heritage, with a particular focus on the Highlife genre and its legendary contributors, including the late Daddy Lumba.
MUSIGA President Bessa Simons revealed that plans are underway to establish a National Music Museum and Hall of Fame in collaboration with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB).
The museum will serve as a national archive, housing the history, stories, and achievements of Ghanaian music icons across all genres.
“A special seminar on Highlife music will be organised at the end of the year by stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Arts Agency, Ghana Tourism Authority, Commission on Culture, and Folklore Board,” Simons said in an interview with Graphic Showbiz.
According to him, efforts to promote Highlife on the global stage began even before Daddy Lumba’s passing. One of MUSIGA’s key goals is to secure UNESCO recognition for Highlife as an intangible cultural heritage, placing it alongside globally celebrated genres like Reggae.
“We want UNESCO to list Highlife as one of the intangible cultural heritage, making it a cornerstone in discussions around music globally. Just like how Jamaica readily comes to mind at the mention of Reggae, we want it to be the same for Ghana whenever Highlife is mentioned,” Simons explained.
He stressed the need to inspire younger generations to embrace Highlife, describing it as the root of many modern Ghanaian sounds. “Too often, the genre is overlooked or dismissed, but it remains the foundation of much of the music we enjoy today. Every modern sound in Ghana carries echoes of Highlife,” he added.
The museum and Hall of Fame will be complemented by tribute concerts, workshops, and exhibitions designed to honour the contributions of music legends and to keep Ghana’s musical traditions alive for future generations.
 has announced a major cultural initiative to celebrate and preserve the country’s rich){kind=link}