Highlife's UNESCO recognition puts the music and its makers in focus

Highlife's place on UNESCO's heritage list recognises a musical tradition carried by performers, dancers, teachers and audiences across generations.

Ghana's highlife music and dance was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025. The listing describes a form of storytelling rooted in everyday life, performed in local languages as well as English and Pidgin.

A tradition learned together

Guitars, horns and percussion are part of the sound, while call-and-response singing gives performances their shared character. UNESCO identifies Dance Band, Guitar Band and Burger as three main styles.

The music is passed on through families, apprenticeships and bands, as well as formal teaching. Its subjects include relationships, education and social concerns, and performances accompany occasions such as weddings and festivals.

Source: UNESCO's highlife music and dance listing.