Old Highlife Stars Shine

The Minister for Health, recently stunned guests gathered at the residence of World Bank country director, Matts Karlsson with an exceptional display on drums.

The minister, obviously excited at meeting old highlife musicians, joined ace guitarist Ebo Taylor and his Friends as well as other highlife stars for a rendition of the evergreen Uhuru classic Wo Bekume during the official launch of Ghana Music Foundation, a non- governmental organisation.

Nolstalgic feelings ran through the audience as highlife greats including C.K. Mann, Stan Plange, Prof. John Collins, Paapa Yankson and Dr.Eddie Sogah took their turns on the bandstand.

In a welcome note, Karlsson, who is also a musician, lamented that though musicians are loved all over the world, it does not necessarily translate into financial rewards or respect for them adding that ?we need to reverse this unfortunate situation?.

He said it is highly important to preserve authentic Ghanaian music since it forms an integral part of the nation?s. rich cultural heritage.

He therefore appealed to all to help achieve this laudable plan, which will by and large enhance the music industry in Ghana.

For his part, Maj. Quashigah assured the musicians of his support for their endeavours. He said music forms an important part of the health needs of a society since it heals, rejuvenates and serves as a good source of recreation.

He added that though highlife music is a great phenomenon, it has not been fully recognised. He tasked Ghanaian musicians and music lovers to help promote highlife music at home and abroad.

A brainchild of Ebo Taylor, the Ghana Music Foundation, among other things, is aimed at promoting, preserving and disseminating Ghanaian musical works for educational and cultural purposes while producing scholarly works on music.

It will also be involved in the compilations of guitar and dance band music since the 1950s. These recordings, alongside an updated version of Prof. John Collins? book Highlife Time, would be released in 2007 to coincide with Ghana?s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.

Ghana Music Foundation comprise musicians, musicologists, promoters and music lovers who wish to harness and expose locally and globally, the rich music culture and legacy of Ghana.

It includes Ebo Taylor, Stan Plange, Dr. Eddie Sogah, Kofi Tsikata, Paa K. Holdbrooke-Smith, Prof. John Collins, Dr. Willie Anku, Cox Tamakloe and several others.