Veteran highlife legend Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has shared candid reflections on his life in music, revealing that while the industry has not made him wealthy, it has provided him with a fulfilling and comfortable life.
Speaking in an exclusive interview monitored by oneking multimedia on Saturday, October 18, at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the 78-year-old icon discussed the realities of earning a living through music in Ghana.
“I haven’t been rich out of music, but I’ve been comfortable out of music,” Ambolley said. “Because what I have—my house, my car, my everything—was given to me by music.”
Ambolley, who is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of highlife and rap in Ghana, explained that true success goes beyond material wealth. He emphasized that money is only valuable when used wisely.
“If you have the bunch and you don’t know how to utilise it, it’s useless,” he stated, highlighting the importance of discipline, prudence, and contentment in a musician’s journey.
For Ambolley, music has been more than just a profession—it has been a source of purpose and joy. “Whatever the music has given to me, I thank the music for that,” he said gratefully.
With a career spanning over five decades, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has remained one of the most influential figures in Ghanaian music. Known for his fusion of highlife, jazz, funk, and rap, he is celebrated for creating a unique sound that bridges traditional African rhythms with modern expressions.
Ambolley made history in 1973 with the release of Simigwa Do, which is often credited as one of the earliest forms of rap music in the world. His innovation earned him a place among Ghana’s greatest musical pioneers, inspiring generations of artistes who came after him.
Ambolley’s reflections also serve as a lesson to young artistes who may focus solely on financial gain. He urged emerging musicians to prioritize creativity, cultural identity, and long-term sustainability over instant fame or riches.
“In our time, we played music for the passion, not the money. But when you respect your art, the rewards come in other ways,” he said.
His comments resonate at a time when many in Ghana’s music industry are grappling with the financial realities of streaming, promotion, and copyright issues.
Even at 78, Ambolley continues to perform and mentor young artistes, staying active on both local and international stages. His consistency and authenticity have earned him a reputation as a living legend, carrying the torch for Ghana’s highlife heritage.
Through his journey, Ambolley’s story stands as a reminder that music is not only about wealth, but about passion, legacy, and purpose.
