A new Ghanaian music compilation, ‘Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds In The Diaspora, 1980-93’, is coming to Soundway Records.

Out on 10th May, the 18-track album traces the origins of the early ’80s electronic highlife movement that emerged in the wake of an economic downturn and an incoming military regime.

Tracks featured on the compilation include Ernest Honny and his song ‘New Dance’, a “slick 80’s pop track” from Nan Mayen’s ‘Mumude’, the reggae-inspired ‘Asobrachie’ from singer and guitarist Nana Budjeim and more.

Check out the first track from Pat Thomas, ‘Gye Wani’ – which was released yesterday (6th March) to celebrate Ghanaian Independence Day – below. Pre-order a copy of the vinyl, CD or digital compilation from Bandcamp here.

This new compilation follows Soundway’s funk and Afrobeat-focused Ghana Soundz compilations, and 2009’s ‘Ghana Special: Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds & Ghanaian Blues 1968-1981’.

Revisit our 2019 feature exploring how electronic artists are reshaping Ghana’s music scene here, and step inside the fascinating world of reissue labels in this 2021 piece, featuring an interview with Soundway Records.

Last month, Accra’s community-focused online radio Oroko Radio revealed its residents for 2024 with Missy DK, Adrasha, Ekiti Sound, They Hate Change, and YoungWoman among the names all enrolled on the new roster.