Ghana’s leading urban youth radio station, YFM, has officially launched its much anticipated Made in Ghana Month, committing to playing exclusively Ghanaian music throughout March while shining a powerful spotlight on Highlife, the very heartbeat of Ghana’s musical identity.
The launch marks a bold programming move by the station as it aligns with Ghana Month celebrations, dedicating its airwaves to promoting homegrown sound, storytelling, and heritage.
Leading the charge is Head of Music at YFM, DJ Kess, who emphasized the importance of reclaiming and celebrating Ghana’s original sound.
“Highlife has gained massive global recognition in recent years. The Grammys have acknowledged it in their catalogue of celebrated genres, and UNESCO has recognized it as part of humanity’s intangible heritage. Many Afrobeats records today have strong Highlife elements, and that Highlife comes from Ghana. So as we celebrate Ghana Month, it is only right that we, as YFM, celebrate our own sound,” he said.
According to DJ Kess, the station will be playing strictly Ghanaian music throughout March, a deliberate move to amplify local creativity and push a sustainable music culture.
“We have incredible Ghanaian music right now. March is Ghana Month, and it simply makes sense to fill our airwaves with Ghanaian greatness. We are highlighting 31 artistes, one each day, celebrating their songs, impact, and contribution to the culture. We also want young and budding musicians to send in their songs via [email protected]. If we commit to a strong Ghana-first music policy, it will work,” he added.
Beyond entertainment, the initiative also carries historical and economic significance. Larbi Ansah-Koi, Historiographer, underscored Highlife’s deep roots in Ghana’s socio-political journey and its untapped potential for national development.
“Highlife is central to Ghana’s music identity. It emerged during challenging periods in our history and became a tool for expression, unity, and even resistance. Highlife played a role in our independence struggle. Some songs were created to celebrate traditional deities, while others told powerful societal stories,” he explained.
He further noted that in 2025, UNESCO officially recognized Highlife as an intangible cultural heritage of Ghana, cementing its importance on the global stage.
“Tourism is one of the biggest economic drivers globally, and music festivals contribute enormous revenue in Europe and beyond. Ghana has Highlife as its birthright. If we harness its cultural and tourism potential properly, it can create jobs and drive economic growth,” Larbi added.
Throughout the month, YFM will host detailed discussions exploring the origins of Highlife, its evolution, and its modern-day relevance. The station will also celebrate iconic figures who have shaped the genre, beginning with Ebo Taylor, and spotlighting legends such as George Darko and Daddy Lumba, whose contributions to Burger Highlife redefined the space.
“These names are not necessarily about ranking the ‘best,’ but about recognizing legacy, the impact they made and the culture they helped build,” Larbi emphasized.
Listeners can expect love, truth, nostalgia, education, and a rich musical experience as YFM dives into the untold stories behind some of Ghana’s most cherished songs.
With this bold initiative, YFM is not just playing music, it is reclaiming heritage, empowering local talent, and reminding the nation that Ghanaian music is not only enough, but powerful, influential, and globally relevant.
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