The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has held a successful fundraising concert at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill to support ageing musicians.
They also celebrated Ghana’s highlife heritage and honouring acclaimed musician Fameye.
Dubbed the Authentic Highlife Nite, the event formed part of MUSIGA’s ongoing efforts to raise money for the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF). It also recognised Fameye, who was recently named Highlife Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, for his contribution to the genre.
In attendance were several dignitaries including the French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules-Armand Aniambossou; UNESCO’s Country Representative, Edmond Moukaila; Director of Culture at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Divine Owusu-Ansah; and Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Santana Aggrey. Representatives of various foreign missions and state agencies were also present, highlighting the diplomatic and cultural relevance of the occasion.
The evening featured a blend of legendary and contemporary musicians such as Pat Thomas, Samuel Owusu, Aklerh, Old Soldier, Mr Brown, and Kaakyire Kwame Appiah. The stage also came alive with captivating performances by Bessa Simons, Paulina Oduro, Adane Best, and Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni, who made a brief appearance.
A citation was presented to Fameye, acknowledging his role in sustaining the genre. It read in part: “This victory is a testament to his dedication to preserving and evolving the highlife genre, blending traditional sounds with contemporary storytelling in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. MUSIGA commends Fameye for holding firmly to highlife as a vital cultural expression, especially as his triumph coincides with the historic enlistment of highlife music as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO this year.”
MUSIGA President Bessa Simons highlighted the dual purpose of the event, saying: “Tonight’s event not only allows us to enjoy authentic highlife music from Ghana’s finest artists but also continues a tradition of giving back to those who laid the foundation of our music industry. Your generous contributions tonight will directly bolster AMWeF, helping to sustain and honour the valued pioneers of our musical heritage.”
UNESCO Country Representative Edmond Moukaila added that the event was a fitting lead-up to UNESCO’s official enlistment of highlife music in December as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. He also reaffirmed Ghana’s recognition as the birthplace of the genre.
The concert underscored the importance of preserving Ghana’s musical heritage while supporting the wellbeing of veteran musicians who helped shape the industry. MUSIGA remains committed to safeguarding and promoting Ghanaian music in all its authentic forms.
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