The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority, the National Folklore Board, and Charterhouse, organised the authentic highlife night to honour Fameye at +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra on July 19, 2025. This event highlighted Ghana’s highlife heritage through live performances and recognitions.
Fameye, recently named Highlife Artiste of the Year at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, received a citation from MUSIGA for his dedication to preserving and evolving the genre. Following the award, the Ghana Tourism Authority surprised him with a GH₵10,000 donation to support ageing musicians and further promote Ghanaian highlife culture.
During the authentic highlife night, icons such as Pat Thomas, Samuel Owusu, Kaakyire Kwame Appiah, Adani Best, Paulina Oduro, Sherifa Gunu, Aklerh, and Bessa Simons with The Bessa Band delivered heartfelt performances. MUSIGA President Bessa Simons noted that the event showcased “cultural pride and musical excellence” as Ghana awaits UNESCO’s recognition of highlife as intangible cultural heritage.
The night also served as a fundraiser for the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF), reflecting MUSIGA’s ongoing initiative to support veteran artists. The presence of Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, along with other dignitaries, underscored the event’s significance.
The authentic highlife night balanced rich musical heritage with community support: a celebration of artistry that honours both Fameye and generations of highlife musicians. By blending traditional sounds with contemporary storytelling, the event reinforced why highlife remains central to Ghanaian culture and identity.
