Kojo Antwi is a legendary Highlife musician
Renowned Ghanaian musician Kojo Antwi has called on contemporary artistes to deeply embrace authentic African rhythms in their music.
According to him, the continent’s musical traditions are far more diverse than what often gets international attention.
Speaking during an appearance on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on February 12, 2026, the Highlife legend addressed the common label of his music as Afro-pop and the reggae elements woven through his sound.
“Afro-pop is more of African popular music. Africa is blessed with rhythms; different types,” he said.
Kojo Antwi observed that while contemporary trends often spotlight dance styles from countries such as Kenya and Uganda, the global spotlight tends to favour sounds that are easily digested by Western audiences.
“The ones that the Whites can dance to are what are being glorified all over the place, but we have a lot of rhythms,” he noted.
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The music icon also noted that many of his own songs incorporate traditional Ghanaian rhythms such as ‘Adowa,’ a style characterised by the distinctive 6/8 time signature that has deep cultural roots in Akan music and dance.
“When you listen to my music, you find most of it. I have Adowa, which is 6-8. I think we don’t use enough of it because probably we feel that the market is not out there,” he said.
His remarks come just ahead of the launch of his much-anticipated memoir, ‘Mr Music Man – The Journey,’ scheduled for February 13, 2026, in Accra.
The book is expected to chronicle his life, expansive career and the evolution of Ghanaian music over the decades, offering insights into the fusion of traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds.
Known popularly as ‘Mr Music Man,’ Kojo Antwi has shaped Ghana’s musical landscape over decades with his blend of Afro-pop, Highlife and reggae influences.
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