Stories and facts

In the roots of Ghanaian music history, there exists a unique fusion created from the soulful rhythms of Ghana and the melodies of Germany. This hybridised genre of music, called "Burger-Highlife," emerged in the 1980s as a distinctive form of highlife music, created by Ghanaian immigrants finding solace and creativity in the cities of Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg.

During the 1980s, when reggae music was dominating global charts and gaining popularity around the world, Highlife music, which had some elements of the reggae genre gained popularity in Europe and North America, and due to this, there was a massive number of Ghanaian musicians migrating to Europe and the Americas in search of better opportunities.

They carried with them the sounds of home and traditional highlife music to Western lands from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Among these Ghanaian musicians was George Darko

George Darko, a talented highlife musician known for his exceptional guitar prowess, emerged as a prominent figure in the early 1980s. His journey into the music scene began with his interest in traditional Ghanaian rhythms, which he skillfully blended with modern influences. Darko's breakthrough came when he released his debut album "Highlife Time," which showcased his exceptional guitar skills and also introduced a brand new, cosmopolitan evolution to the highlife genre.

George Darko, whose infectious rhythms and catchy melodies captivated audiences with hits like "Akoo Te Brofo" and "Highlife Time", paved the way for a new generation of artists to explore the possibilities of Burger Highlife.

Beyond his musical contributions, George Darko left an indelible legacy that continues to live on, influencing a diverse range of musical styles and genres. His legacy is evident in the works of most contemporary artists who draw inspiration from his rich symphony of sounds and rhythms.