In the early 1980s, a particular alchemy between new musical technologies and significant social, cultural, and political transformations in Ghana gave rise to a new style of highlife. Drum machines and synthesisers appeared alongside lilting guitar lines and punchy horns, and the emerging Ghanaian diaspora began incorporating US disco and boogie, R&B, European new wave, and Caribbean zouk and soca into their music.
This style soundtracked the birth of a new, proud Ghanaian identity and captured the idiosyncrasies of a rapidly changing postcolonial society, marked by increased migration and wider access to global sounds and modern technology.
Tracklist
- The Godfathers - Ebe Ye Yie NI
- Pat Thomas - Gye Wani
- Pepper, Onion, Ginger & Salt - m.c. Mambo
- Andy Vans - Adjoa Amisa
- George Darko - Kaakyire Nua
- Rex Gyamfi - Obiara Bewu
- Starlite - Anoma Koro
- Abdul Raheem - Alaiye
- Jon K - Asafo
- Kwasi Afari Minta - Barima NSU
- Marijata (Feat. Ata Kak) - Otanhunu
- Gyedu Blay Ambolley - Apple
- Dadadi - Jigi Jigi
- Charles Amoah - Fre Me (Call Me)
- Ernest Honny - New Dance
- Bessa Simons - Sii Nana
- Nan Mayen - Mumude
- Nana Budjei - Asobrachie
