Singer and composer Dela Botri has praised the University of Education, Winneba for its efforts to preserve Ghanaian musical heritage, warning that failure to institutionalise the teaching of traditional music could eventually leave Ghanaians dependent on foreigners to learn their own culture.
Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, Dela Botri said institutions of higher learning have an important role to play in documenting, teaching and modernising Ghana’s musical traditions.
“I love whatever they are doing at the University of Education, Winneba,” he said.
He said the university’s work in preserving Highlife demonstrates how academic institutions can contribute to safeguarding Ghana’s cultural identity.
“The professors at the school are preserving the culture of Highlife,” he stated.
Dela Botri warned that Ghana risks losing control over its own cultural heritage if similar initiatives are not expanded.
“If more of these are not done, the people outside this country in the future will be the ones to teach us our heritage,” he cautioned.
He called for greater collaboration between universities and experienced musicians and cultural practitioners who possess practical knowledge of Ghanaian musical traditions.
According to him, experts such as himself and other Highlife musicians could help institutions modernise traditional music while retaining its cultural essence.
He therefore urged stakeholders to create opportunities for experienced musicians to contribute to the preservation and development of Ghana’s musical heritage.
