Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife and Afro Sounds in the Diaspora, 1980-93

Soundway presents a collection of 18 burger highlife, electronic Afrobeat and reggae tracks, gatefold 3LP includes extended liner notes, original covers and never-before-seen photos. Features rarities from legends including Pat Thomas, Rex Gyamf and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and deep cuts from lesser known artists like Abdul Raheem, Starlite and The Godfathers.

Highlighting a time when the burgeoning Ghanaian diaspora across Europe and North America was utilising new music technology and recording techniques. A period of movement, emigration and innovation.

The dawn of the 80s saw an increase in emigration following a period of political upheaval at home, with many Ghanaians moving to Europe – especially Germany – to find work. Musicians recording both at home and abroad began to blend highlife with outside influences, taking inspiration from US disco and boogie, European new wave and Caribbean zouk and soca, reflecting new surroundings and cementing musical connections forged in London, Hamburg, Toronto and New York.

Ghana Special celebrates this key period of musical innovation and cultural exchange that redefined the parameters of Ghanaian music and accelerated the cultural exchange between West Africa and Europe.