Arriving 15 years after the original deep dive, Ghana Special: Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds & Ghanaian Blues, which curated the years 1968-1981, comes this generous follow-up, spanning the tumultuous years 1980-1993 with 18 cuts of highlife, afrobeat, and more, largely produced in European exile.

Released by Soundway on a recommended 3LP vinyl, the music on Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife and Afro Sounds In The Diaspora 1980-93 charts a prolific period during which Ghanaian musicians relocated to Europe, fleeing the serial coups of Jerry Rawlings, whose military junta and curfews made life difficult for venues and musicians alike.

Many settled in Germany, particularly in Hamburg, where burger-highlife was born—a new take on highlife with a heavy focus on electronic instruments, keyboards, and drum machines.

This evolution is nicely traced on Ghana Special 2, which opens with The Godfathers‘ “Ebe Ye Yie Ni,” probably the most organic-sounding tune on the album with its Hammond-driven call and response, congas, and jazzy brass.

Likewise, Pat Thomas (who will be part of a supergroup performing at this year’s Womad Festival to celebrate the album) provides an elastic groove showcasing the intersection of afrobeat and highlife on “Gye Wani.”

From here, the production gets digital, featuring the recently departed George Darko, whose “Kaakyire Nua” delivers delicious disco vibes.

The musicianship and production on the album are excellent, and the gated snare on Kwasi Afari Minta’s brilliant “Barima Nsu” would get a nod from Quincy Jones himself. Another highlight is Gyedu Blay Ambolley’s “Apple,” which is reminiscent of another Jones—yes, we’re talking about Grace Jones.

A very special record, Ghana Special 2 is equal parts fun, fascinating, and kitsch. If burger highlife is fast food music, then this fine selection is to be savoured.

Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife and Afro Sounds In The Diaspora 1980-93
was released on 10/05 via Soundway Records.
You can get your copy HERE