Ghana's Highlife Music Wins UNESCO Heritage Status

Ghana's famous Highlife music has received major global recognition. In December, it was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The United Nations cultural organization called Highlife a "monumental expression of Ghana's musical genius, culture, and global influence." The listing honors the generations who have kept the music alive since the early 1900s. Highlife is one of West Africa's most influential music styles. It blends traditional Ghanaian rhythms with instruments and ideas from other cultures. The UNESCO status aims to help protect and promote the genre for the future.