Ghanaian Disc Jockey Michael Mensah Ashley, known as DJ Ashmen, advocates for Ghanaian music to reclaim its unique identity through genres like Highlife and Hiplife rather than adopting foreign styles in pursuit of global recognition.
In a recent statement, DJ Ashmen emphasized the significance of Ghana’s musical heritage, urging local musicians to prioritize indigenous genres over foreign influences.
“We have a unique music identity in Highlife and Hiplife, and we must be intentional about promoting them,” DJ Ashmen stated. He criticized the prevailing belief that mimicking foreign genres would enhance Ghana’s global appeal, contrasting Ghana’s approach with Jamaica’s success in establishing Reggae and Dancehall as globally recognized genres.
At a stakeholder meeting convened by the Creative Arts Agency (CAA), Executive Secretary Gyankroma Akufo-Addo echoed DJ Ashmen’s sentiments, urging Ghana to develop a distinct musical sound to compete effectively on the global stage.
DJ Ashmen lamented the industry’s trend of favouring foreign sounds over Ghana’s traditional music styles, citing the marginalization of Highlife despite its foundational role in the development of Afrobeats.
“Why are we trying to sound American, Jamaican, or Nigerian? Is it that we don’t value what we have?” DJ Ashmen questioned, urging stakeholders to rediscover pride in Ghana’s diverse musical legacy.
He expressed concern that Ghana’s lack of a unique music identity has hindered Ghana’sits international appeal, warning of dire consequences for the industry’s future.
“We continue to shout about global appeal when the solution is staring us in the face,” DJ Ashmen remarked. “The music industry lacks identity, which is detrimental to our international aspirations.”
DJ Ashmen’s advocacy underscores a growing call within Ghana’s music community to celebrate and preserve its cultural heritage through distinctive musical expressions.
