Lee Doudo Speaks

Lee Doudu, one of the originators of Burger Highlife has stated that if care is not taken, no music legacy will be left for the youth as Highlife is gradually fading out of the system. According to the highlife legend, the youth have now turned to the western style and the digital production of music rather than rehearsing with musical instruments for long period, as was the case decades ago. Lee Doudo made this known at the Goethe Institut in Accra when he was caught by Beatwaves giving the audience a peak into his style, innovations and taste of what to expect at the grand concert to be held at the National Theater on Saturday March 8, 2008. “Think of Mr Yamoah, who was one of the greatest composers and lyricists. C.K. Man, Agya Koo Nimo and others are legends whose music was educative and lyrical and their music also blends, but how many of the youth have taken after them?” Together with other legends of Burger Highlife such as Ben Brako, Pat Thomas, Charles Amoah, Mc God and keyboardist Bob Fiscian, Lee Dodou made it known that in the past, one had to be able to play at least one musical instrument in order to be considered a musician. “Ghana now has more singers than musicians in the sense that they only work on their voice and back it with digital production of music, jamming every thing with bad lyrics and rhythm.” Commenting further, he said, “Digital things are going on and the youth who aspire to go into music must think of it. Their productions on some of the music are not enough making live performance a hectic thing for them.” Giving a brief background of Burger Highlife, Lee Dodou stated that it was a combination of funky music and a Ghanaian type of highlife music. He said the music they produced those days was solid and sound and people used to say, “This is how the burgers play the highlife”. The most important thing about music is the production which needs money and time to practice. Come Saturday March 8, 2008 at the National Theater, music giants will bring the flavour of Burger Highlife to Ghanaians. Think of the sounds, ideas, and subculture that will be brought again by the Goethe Institut as its contribution to Ghana’s independence anniversary celebration. ‘Made in Germany II Burger Highlife’ will also bring to the audience names they have loved and not heard for a long time such as Lee Dodou, and Ben Brako. A jazz version of the genre created by accomplished keyboardist Bob Fiscian will also be presented.