Modern HIGH LIFE Must Evolve While Preserving Its Roots - Kuami Eugene

Ghanaian musician Kuami Eugene has defended the evolution of High Life music, saying the genre must adapt to changing times while maintaining its traditional elements.

Speaking on the Area Gang drive-time show on Pluzz 89.9 FM, the musician said High Life has always gone through changes, with different generations adding their own influences while keeping the identity of the genre.

Kuami Eugene explained that although modern High Life may not sound exactly like the works of legends such as Daddy Lumba and Amakye Dede, it still carries elements that connect it to the original sound.

“The old high life does not sound like Daddy Lumba’s music, and Daddy Lumba’s music does not sound like Kojo Antwi’s, but they are all High Life music,” he said.

He added that younger musicians must create sounds that appeal to their generation while preserving important features of high life such as the use of guitars and saxophones.

Kuami Eugene, who has often been described as one of the new faces of Ghanaian High Life, said he considers it a responsibility to contribute to keeping the genre alive.

He attributed his connection with High Life music to his upbringing, explaining that his father introduced him to the works of several High Life greats from a young age.

The musician also encouraged upcoming artists to study the history of the genre by listening to older High Life musicians before developing their own styles.

According to him, understanding the roots of High Life will help young musicians create music that combines traditional influences with modern sounds.