Celebrated highlife musician Ackah Blay is calling on the younger generation of Ghanaian artistes to reflect deeply on the kind of impact their music has on society, especially on the youth who look up to them.
In a heartfelt commentary on the current state of the music industry, the veteran musician expressed concern over what he sees as a growing trend of explicit and sexually-charged lyrics dominating the airwaves. While he acknowledged that music evolves, he emphasized that its core responsibility to educate, inspire, and uplift should never be compromised.
“Music has always had power—it shapes emotions, influences culture, and affects behavior,” Ackah Blay stated. “It’s more than just a beat or entertainment. It should speak to our values and our humanity.”
The legendary artiste, known for his soulful and thoughtful highlife compositions, recalled how love and intimacy were portrayed in the past—through metaphors, artistry, and cultural finesse. According to him, today’s approach has become overly blunt and lacks the poetic subtlety that once defined Ghanaian music.
“We addressed intimacy too, but in an artistic and coded way. Now it’s too raw, too direct, and it sends the wrong message,” he said, adding that the shift could be harmful to impressionable fans.
Ackah Blay also compared the treatment of sexual themes in international music, noting that while Western artistes also explore such subjects, their delivery tends to be more nuanced and stylistically refined—something that doesn’t always translate well into Ghanaian local languages.
“Foreigners also sing about sex in their songs in admirable ways that can’t be replicated in Ghanaian local languages. It’s too heavy,” he remarked.
He warned that artistes must not underestimate their influence, particularly among young fans who absorb their lyrics and emulate their lifestyles. Blay urged emerging musicians to use their talent and platform to create songs with deeper meaning—ones that resonate across generations and contribute positively to societal development.
“Let’s not forget that music is a legacy. What you put out today becomes part of the culture tomorrow,” he said.
As conversations continue about the direction of Ghanaian music, Ackah Blay’s message serves as a call to conscience—urging artistes to balance creativity with responsibility, and entertainment with impact.
