Benjamin Oduro Arhin Jnr. known in entertainment circles as Bnoskka has vehemently opposed the definition of Highlife music by Charterhouse.
The Music Tutor at the University of Education-Winneba in his opinion said Kuami Eugene’s genre of music is not Highlife so was amazed Charterhouse, organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards compelled Highlife legend, Daniel Abrantie Amakye Dede to crown the Lynx Entertainment artiste ‘King of Highlife’ at the 20th edition of the awards scheme.
Bnoskka told award-winning Entertainment Talkshow Host, Kojo Preko Dankwa on Kasapa Entertainment on Kasapa 102.5 Fm it was misleading for Charterhouse to take that step.
The Copyright Expert described Charterhouse’s action of crowning Kuami Eugene ‘Highlife King’ as thoughtless.
“Charterhouse is worrying us. They’re trying to define our Highlife music for us in a wrong way.
“Kuami Eugene isn’t doing Highlife music so why force Abrantie Amakye Dede to crown him Highlife King,” Bnoskka said on Kasapa Entertainment
He argued that the kind of songs released by Kuami Eugene are not Highlife songs so Charterhouse’s definition of Highlife music is also wrong.
“Musicians are doing Afrobeat yet they call it Highlife which is wrong. If you do real authentic Highlife music, it stands out unique. If you do a burger Highlife with techno beats and all those things, it stands out unique and if you do a Hiplife and Afro-pop music, they stand out unique.
“Nigerians used our highlife music by changing the organ, guitar parts and renamed it ‘Juju’ music.
“We also blended the Adowa, Agbadza and Kpanlogo into our Highlife but it didn’t fit into the real authentic Highlife and we also renamed it Afrobeat. Highlife music is evolving.
“The rate at which people perform Highlife music is rather going down but Highlife music won’t die,” Bnoskka added
Many have contested the decision of Charterhouse’s Highlife Artiste and Song of the Year categories at this year’s event.
Stakeholders and players in the entertainment industry have argued that most artistes and songs nominated at the 20th edition of the scheme under Highlife category do not fit with regards to the definition of Highlife.
Charterhouse defines Highlife artiste and Highlife song of the year as follows;
Highlife Artiste of the year
The Highlife Artiste(s) of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the Artiste(s) with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Highlife genre. The Artiste(s) must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.
Highlife song of the Year
The Highlife song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Highlife song released in the year under review and generated the most excitement during the year.
Below are the two categories for Highlife slot at the 20th edition of the awards event.
Highlife Artiste of the Year
- King Promise
- Akwaboah
- Kidi
- Kuami Eugene
- Adina
Highlife Song of the Year
- YebewuNti – Dada Hafco
- Wish Me Well – Kuami Eugene
- Betweener – Kumi Guitar
- Woara – KwesiAuthur
- Thunder – Kidi
- CCTV – King Promise ft. Sarkodie and Mugeez
- My Level – Shatta Wale
- Killing Me Softly – Adina ft. Kuami Eugene
