Renowned Ghanaian media personality, entrepreneur, and showbiz commentator Herty has masterfully captured the vibrant musical evolution of Sekondi, a city rich in cultural heritage and artistic expression. In this piece, Herty explores how Sekondi, nestled on Ghana’s southwestern coast, has steadily grown into a pulsating hub for music that resonates far beyond its borders.
At the heart of Sekondi’s musical identity lies its fusion of traditional rhythms and contemporary genres. Historically, the city was a melting pot where indigenous sounds—like highlife and traditional drumming—intertwined with influences from seafarers, traders, and the surrounding Western Region communities. This blend naturally birthed a unique soundscape that has inspired many artists and captivated audiences across generations.
As Ghana evolved, so did Sekondi’s music scene. The city welcomed a surge of creative energy through vibrant live performances and festivals, fostering local talents who challenged conventions and embraced innovation. With advancements in technology and increased access to recording facilities, Sekondi’s musicians began to craft sounds that merged Afrobeat, hiplife, and even global styles, reflecting both local pride and a cosmopolitan outlook.
Herty emphasizes that the city’s musical narrative is not merely about entertainment; it chronicles societal changes, aspirations, and resilience. Music in Sekondi serves as a voice for the community, narrating stories from the fishing docks to urban streets and echoing the cultural heartbeat of the people.
In conclusion, Sekondi’s musical journey, as illuminated by Herty, celebrates a dynamic legacy of creativity that honors tradition while embracing progress.
This ongoing evolution not only enriches Ghana’s artistic tapestry but also carves Sekondi’s place on the world map as a beacon of cultural expression.
For enthusiasts and scholars alike, understanding Sekondi’s musical heritage offers profound insights into how place and sound intertwine to shape identity.
Read Herty's article below:
Before modern genres, Sekondi's music began with the rhythmic chants and ocean-faring melodies of local fishermen, which made their hard labor easier and signaled a successful catch to the city.
This native Fante rhythm was embraced by both locals and British colonial military brass bands, sparking the rise of traveling concert parties.The construction of the Sekondi Railway in the 1890s brought cultural diversity to the city.
There came the golden era where Local brass bands began performing for Eurocentric elites. Between the 1920s and 1950s, early dance orchestras like the Sekondi Nanshamang blended traditional African polyrhythms with Western brass, jazz, and guitar, birthing the legendary Highlife music genre.
In 1973, a native born on the 11th street of Sekondi ,Gyedu BLAY Ambolley ,pioneered the "Simigwa" genre—a fusion of Ghanaian highlife, jazz, and American funk. His spoken-word rap style over these beats laid the foundational groundwork for modern Ghanaian Hiplife.
After its golden eras, Sekondi's music scene experienced a period of diminished energy and quiet nurturing.The talents , the sound, and energy got tarred .Instead of waiting for a comeback, the city created its own lane by adopting American Trap music (from the late 1990s) and infusing it with the traditional Fante rhythm.
After years of musical dormancy, Sekondi is finding its voice again. A collective led by Rigiid, Waalca, YSN Tasti, Dizturb GH, and others have launched a new movement many in the city are calling Trap Music.
Rooted in the same streets that birthed Gyedu-Blay Ambolley’s Simigwa, this generation is flipping the script to fit the modern market — fusion of local pidgin and Fante hooks layered over stories of hustle, love, and survival. Their sound doesn’t abandon Sekondi’s highlife DNA; it samples it, distorts it, and drags it into 2026.
The breakout tracks are already defining the moment. Rigiid's gritty anthem "Ghetto" captures the city’s grinding ambition, while YSN Tasti's "Golden Boy" offers a melodic, introspective contrast about hope beyond the struggle.
Waalca leans into resilience with "Can U Imagine." Together, these songs are more than playlists; they’re pulling crowds back to Sekondi venues, sparking street cyphers, and giving the city’s youth a new cultural rallying point. For the first time in years, Sekondi isn’t just remembering its musical past. It’s exporting a fresh sound of its own.
This new Fanti Trap movement proves that Sekondi remains a creative powerhouse where history continually repeats itself through an endless musical journey.
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