Kofi Nti found himself in an international intellectual property dispute when his song “Odo Nwom” which he did with Ofori Amponsah two decades ago was used without permission in the popular U.S. series Tyler Perry Sistas.

Sharing the experience on Onua TV, the Highlife legend revealed his steps to address the issue and voiced his thoughts on the state of Ghanaian music today.

“I did that song with Ofori Amponsah,” Nti said, recalling the collaboration that led to the beloved Highlife track. “We have a lawyer in the UK; he contacted the team, so negotiations and everything went well. So, we have solved the issue; a little money was involved.”

His words carry both relief and a gentle reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ rights as their work begins to resonate on a global stage.

The incident is a powerful testament to the longevity of Highlife music and its lasting impact beyond Ghanaian shores. “Highlife never dies, you know; up to now, people still play my songs,” he said, proud of the genre’s enduring legacy.

Yet for Nti, this isn’t just about reliving past glories but about pushing for a continued commitment to the music that defines Ghana. Despite his satisfaction with the recent legal outcome, his concerns are directed at the future and the new generation of musicians.

“As a musician, I would advise the young ones to put their best in their performances and craft,” he said with a sense of responsibility, cautioning that the genre is at risk of being sidelined.

For Nti, Highlife is more than just a style; it’s a cultural cornerstone that has captured Ghana’s stories, romances and struggles for decades. With newer genres gaining popularity, he worries that Highlife’s rich history might be forgotten, replaced by fleeting trends.

One rising star who caught his attention was Camidoh, a Ghanaian artist whose talent left Nti pleasantly surprised.

“I used to like Camidoh when he started music, and I didn’t even know he was Ghanaian until he said Twi in one of his songs,” Nti said, adding a laugh. “But it’s all good. I would still advise them to up their craft because it seems they are throwing Highlife away.”

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