Ghanaian musician Kwame Yeboah has made a bold claim about his position in the global highlife scene, declaring himself the best highlife artist in the world.
In an exclusive interview with Kwame Dadzie on Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM on August 9, 2025, the celebrated multi-instrumentalist and composer expressed deep pride in his mastery of the genre, stating that no one comes close to his skill and artistry.
“I feel like I’m one of the best highlife players on the planet. It doesn’t matter what other genres are, and that’s why I take pride in myself — because I have something special that no one else on the planet has. No one can compete with me about highlife music,” he said.
Known for fusing traditional rhythms with modern influences, Kwame Yeboah has been instrumental in preserving and evolving highlife music for a new generation. His career spans decades, marked by global collaborations and groundbreaking performances.
A Life Steeped in Music
Yeboah’s musical journey began remarkably early — he started playing the guitar at the age of seven. By 18, he had already experienced the complexities of balancing personal life and ambition, becoming a father before leaving for Denmark to pursue his musical dreams. He later fathered a son with a Danish woman before fully establishing himself as a global artist.
Global Stage, Global Impact
Over the years, Kwame Yeboah has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Shaggy, David Craig, and the UK group Another Level. On the Ghanaian front, he has collaborated with industry greats such as Kojo Antwi (Medofopa), Kwabena Kwabena, and Sarkodie.
In March 2020, he achieved a career milestone when he performed for Queen Elizabeth II alongside David Craig.
In 2023, he joined the Grammy Recording Academy, cementing his standing in the global music community. He is also a member of the legendary Afro-rock band Osibisa, further broadening his influence and reach.
Passing the Torch
Currently, Yeboah is introducing and promoting his protégé, aiming to mentor the next generation of highlife musicians and keep the genre thriving.
His bold proclamation is expected to stir conversation among fans, critics, and industry players as debates about highlife’s future intensify. For Kwame Yeboah, however, the mission remains clear: to uphold and elevate the genre he has mastered.
Watch the full interview below:
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Story by Juliet Etsyi | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah
