Historical Pictures of Highlife Stars from Ghana and Nigeria


These pictures were part of an exhibition at the Basel Museum of Cultures held on the occasion of the Basel Night of the Museums 2003. They are of a size of about 1.8x2.0 meters and on alloy support. Most of these pictures were made by the Ghanaian photographer Vanderpuje, who captured the atmosphere of the early independence years. These pictures are now on sale at a price of CHF 250.- or EUR 170.- each (excluding handling, packaging and shipping costs). Half of this amount goes to the Bokoor Highlife Centre in Accra who supplied us with the photographic material and whose premises suffered from the severe floodings of 2002. The funds raised through the sale of the Basel pictures are intended to help in the reconstruction of the Highlife Centre.

Nigerian Highlife Star Zeal Onyia at the Kit Kat Club, Accra. Date: c. 1950-60, photographer: Vanderpuje
E.T. Mensah (sax) and his Tempos Band performing at a Club. Date: 1955, place: most probably at Accra, Ghana, photographer: most probably Vanderpuje
Victor Uwaifo (with flute) and King Pago (left with maracas), 1975, Benin City, photographer unknown
E.T. Mensah (trumpet) and his Tempos Band, 1955, place: probably Accra, photographer: probably Vanderpuje
The Ramblers Dance Band with Jerry Hansen (sax). Place: probably Accra, date: 1950-60, photographer: probably Vanderpuje
The Rhythm Aces at the Weekend-in-Havana. Spike Anyakor on saxophone. Place: James Town, Accra, Ghana, date: 1950-1960, photographer: probably Vanderpuje


For further information please contact Mrs. Gaby Fierz (Gaby.Fierz[at]bs.ch) of the Basel Museum of Cultures. The price of CHF 250.- or EUR 170.- per picture is excluding packaging, handling and shipment.


© 2003 Scientific African / Veit Arlt