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0 Ghanaian highlife musician Gilbert Otoo, known in showbiz as Gilly & The Stars, is steadily carving a space for himself as one of the country’s most compelling voices and songwriters.
Celebrated for his ability to compose in both English and Ga, Gilly draws from Ghana’s rich musical heritage while infusing it with modern rhythms to create songs that resonate with audiences across the world. Most of his works are written in Ga, a deliberate choice that reflects his pride in his heritage and his ambition to project Ga culture internationally.
With highlife regarded as Ghana’s gift to the world, Gilly’s music continues that legacy. His songs, available on platforms including iTunes, Amazon, and YouTube, blend soulful melodies with energetic beats, creating a modern highlife sound that appeals both locally and globally.
Fans can now look forward to the visuals of his latest highlife release, ‘Ye Oshia Sane (Dzi Wofie Asem)’, a song expected to hit television screens soon. The track carries a strong message about minding one’s own business, urging listeners to respect the choices of others and avoid unnecessary interference.
Other songs such as My Dear Adjeley, Christie, and Ekomefeemor have become favourites among Ghanaians, known for igniting dance floors and celebrating everyday joy. These hits reflect the vibrancy of Gilly’s musical style: deeply rooted in highlife yet broad in its global appeal.
“Highlife is Ghana’s gift to the world, and I want my Ga roots to shine through it globally,” Gilly said.
His 2010 album, ‘Fighting My Way Back’, remains a landmark in his career. The album offered something for everyone, featuring Hiplife, Reggae, R&B, Pop, and traditional highlife influences. It also showcased collaborations with top Ghanaian and international artists, including Cynthia Johnson of Funky Town fame.
Gilly worked with Ghanaian greats such as Adane Best, King David, Castro, Skrewfaze, and Shilo, with the production handled by the legendary Jay Q, whom he commends for accurately capturing his musical vision.
His passion for music dates back to his days at Aggrey Memorial secondary school, where he performed with the pop group The Cooking Pots. Those early experiences shaped his growth into a professional musician.
Now recording at Agyingo Studioz alongside seasoned sound engineer Agyingo, Gilly continues to refine his sound and push his creativity.
As both songwriter and performer, Gilly & The Stars remains committed to showcasing Ghanaian highlife on the world stage. He is not only preserving the genre but also modernising it, ensuring that the sound of Ghana continues to echo far beyond its borders.
