Ghanaian trumpet and flugelhorn player, Peter Somuah, has long wished to make a definite statement about popular music from his homeland in one collection and he has done that by way of his upcoming 10-track album called ‘Highlife’.

Recorded in Germany and Ghana, the album due for worldwide release on Friday, November 1 2024, seeks to pay tribute to the cherished Ghanaian genre by blending old, vintage approaches with contemporary elements.

The Netherlands-based Somuah interprets his feelings about the music through his tonal abundance, message-laden songs and flexible collaboration with a select crop of Ghanaian artists.

“This album is not about showcasing personal playing, arranging, songwriting or production skills. It is simply meant to send a message to people that one can look to his roots, tap into his multiple influences and bring the old and new generations together for captivating renditions,” says Somuah.

Ghanaian acts featured on his ‘Highlife’ album are Agya Koo Nimo, Gedu Blay Ambolley, Pat Thomas and Lamisi Akuka. Though they possess different styles of presentation, they all contribute equally to creating an uplifting atmosphere of Ghana-inspired music. 

Songs on the album include ‘Mental Slavery’, ‘Chop Chop’, ‘We Give Thanks’, ‘Bruce Road’ and ‘African Continent.’

Before settling in the Netherlands, Somuah played with some bands in Ghana. These included  Deep Waves and  Big Dreams. Those groups played all shades of popular music. He was also part of the  PL Crew which backed several of the nation’s well-known gospel acts. 

Recognised in his own right at the moment for his technical ability and consistency, Somuah and his five-piece Dutch band have performed in places such as Germany, France, Belgium, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, Morocco, Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo. He describes his band as a tight unit that very much understands each other.

He mentions prominent trumpeters like Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove and Hugh Masekela as his biggest influences. He likes them for different reasons but having grown up in Ghana where he imbibed a myriad of rhythms, he sees himself simply as a musician who performs to touch people’s hearts and souls.  

Somuah already has two albums under his belt: ‘Outerspace’ which came out in 2022 and ‘Letter to the Universe’ which he brought out in 2023. His ‘Highlife’ album which is on the ACT Music label, will be available from all major digital music distributing platforms from November 1.