Ghanaian Highlife Keyboard Accompanying Patterns: A Performance Considerations

The keyboard (piano) is employed in several musical forms globally, of which Ghanaian highlife music is no exception. It is a truism that the keyboard was not a prominent feature at the infantile stages of highlife. However, its prominence in the subsequent development of highlife also enhanced the soundscape of the music. In this paper, we investigate and document the various highlife keyboard accompanying patterns, examine the musical influences that have shaped these patterns' creation, and suggest a guide for their appropriate usage in highlife compositions for enhanced performance. Data for this study was collected through document review, audio review and interviews of renowned highlife keyboard players. As we analysed the keyboard patterns performed by renowned highlife keyboard players, it was revealed that the keyboard accompanying patterns are influenced mainly by indigenous Ghanaian drum and guitar patterns. We subsequently concluded that highlife keyboard accompanying patterns are employed as auxiliary to the guitar patterns. The keyboard patterns are fundamental in rhythm and chords; however, they could also be more sophisticated depending on the performer’s knowledge and expertise in rhythms and the application of chords. Therefore, this study is recommended as a performance guide for musicians with an interest in highlife music.