Ghanaians have been credited with the origination of genres of music including hip-life and high life.
Over the years, the genres have morphed and birth different and various sub-genres like the short lived Twi Pop.
Different artistes have experimented with different sounds and have produced music that has kept the general Ghanaian populace entertained, oftentimes crossing the boarders of the country into other territories and still winning.
We can talk of ‘Adadem’ music which literally translates to old school music which is chiefly storytelling high life music, and still receives massive attention, especially during live performances. We can also talk of music in the relatively recent memory that still move the crowd even years after their release. In no particular order, here is a list of a few of those songs:
Ka kyer3 me (Tell Me)
This is one of the oldest songs, released in 2006, on the list which still exacts some dance moves. The first hit song of the now functional (and very recently defunct) trio Praye, it arguably shot them to stardom both in the country and beyond.
16years-MzBel ft. Castro
The other ‘old’ song on the list, released in 2007, MzBel and Castro gave us a national treasure with this. With the controversy that surrounded this song when it came, it is engrained in the memories of people. Even though her more recent songs don’t get a lot of reactions, this song is bound to move any and every crowd.
Angelina-Praye
Another hit song of the Praye trio from their Roll Koll album of 2008, Angelina was a huge hit in the 2010s and still is a bop even today and probably will be in years to come. The choreography that accompanied the song wasn’t a joke either at the time, ask about it!
Kiss your hand- R2Bees ft Wande Coal
When R2Bees featured Wande Coal on this song in 2009 as part of Da Revolution album it faced stiff competition from some songs from Nigeria for space on the airwaves but managed to stay groovy then and is still groovy today.
Simple-Da Bradez
This song was an instant hit in 2009 through 2010 and is the handiwork of Kumasi brother-duo Da Bradezand and Okyeame Kwame. If played today, this song will definitely tug at some heartstrings and move some feet. A lot of feet.
Sweetie-Raquel ft Sarkodie
During the late harmattan of 2010 (or the early harmattan of 2011, I’m not really sure neither is google) this song was released and was an instant hit. The lyrics and the melody were and still are moving today.
Kill Me Shy- D-Cryme
This was the song that was to establish Twi Pop as a bona fide genre on the Ghanaian music scene. Even though it failed to achieve this in 2011 when it was released, it’s still a favorite of the people and will get the love it deserves when the DJ plays it on the radio.
Pressure
The breakout song for hip life duo Keche, this song put them on the national stage and opened doors for them in 2011. It also moved feet, and still does today.