Summary

A variant of highlife music that combines highlife with German Funk and Disco style.

Influences
HistoryBurger highlife started from collaboration between Ghanaian artists and German musicians and producers, when artists migrated to Europe in the late 1970s. The name 'Burger' is a german word for citizen.  Fleeing from Ghana in the late 70s, due to the instability of the country, economy and the military regime in Ghana, Ghanaian musicians who migrated to Germany, started incorporating the Western production techniques to the regional genre. They applied the use of synthesizers and included an influence of German funk and disco. Generally, the genre is characterized by computer-generated dance rhythms, and is credited to George Darko. Pioneers like George Darko, Lee Dodou, and the Lumba Brothers led the Burger Highlife movement, their innovative sounds shaping a generation. George Darko’s hits like "Akoo Te Brofo" and the disco highlife track “Medo Menuanom” from his 1982 album Friends paved the way, while Lee Dodou’s memorable tracks like “Akwankwa” won hearts. Amakye Dede, with classics like "Iron Boy," became an icon, earning his place in Burger highlife history.
Elements 
Form and Style

Burger highlife employs synthesizers and western post-production techniques alongside guitar-driven highlife instrumentation. Featuring vibrant melodies, brass instrumentation, and social commentary, its form showcases a fusion of cultural and global elements.

Singing Style

The singing style in this genre is distinguished by its smooth, lyrical versatlity and inclusion of African harmonies and rhythms. The vocals are performed in a call-and-response format, with the main vocalist improvising and being responded by a chorus.

Theme

Themes in Burger Highlife often encompass love, social issues, and cultural identity. The music reflects the experiences of Ghanaians living abroad, bridging Western influences with traditional Highlife storytelling.

Culture

Burger highlife can be said to be a blend of the two cultures. The traditional German music style and the traditional highlife music from Ghana in West Africa.

Timbre

Highlife music has a distinct and vibrant timbre, with a sophisticated combination of Western and African musical components that make up and produce a distinct and recognized sound.

Arrangement

Burger Highlife's arrangements combine traditional Highlife with Western elements,featuring electric guitars, brass instruments, and keyboards, the genre creates a vibrant sound. Vocals, often in indigenous languages, convey themes of love and identity, while rhythmic percussion maintains a connection to Highlife roots