Highlife Icon Akosua Agyapong Honoured for Trailblazing Career in Male-Dominated Industry
Legendary Ghanaian highlife musician and television personality Akosua Agyapong has been honoured for her outstanding contributions to the country’s music scene, celebrating a career that has inspired generations of female artists.
Akosua Agyapong, who rose to prominence in the 1990s, broke barriers in a male-dominated highlife industry with hit songs such as Meye Obaa (1990) and San Behwe Womba (1992). Her music, known for its boldness and empowering themes, established her as a symbol of perseverance and female empowerment. Now 56 and a mother of six, she remains a respected figure in Ghanaian entertainment, serving as a co-judge on shows like TV3’s Mentor and Adom TV’s Nsromma talent show.
The award ceremony took place at the annual Ogyebea Afahye festival in Ekumfi Otuam, Central Region, before a crowd of over 35,000 diasporans. Organised by the Ntontom Nkabom Som of the Temple of Rabbi, the event featured notable personalities including veteran actor Kofi Adjorlolo Kumawood actors, and traditional leaders from the region. The Dormahene, Dr. Agyeman Badu II, was represented by Nana Barimah Kumi Achaw III.
Presenting the award, Temple of Rabbi Leader Okronkronyi Nyame Somafo Yawoh praised Akosua Agyapong’s enduring influence, noting that her groundbreaking presence in highlife opened doors for women and inspired countless aspiring musicians.
Although she no longer actively records, Akosua Agyapong’s legacy continues to shine. Nearly four decades in the industry have cemented her place as one of Ghana’s most influential female musicians, whose contributions remain celebrated both at home and abroad.
