A 1984 highlife song by Pat Thomas and Ebo Taylor, "Gye Wani", has been confirmed as part of the soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto VI, a highly anticipated video game release. The news was shared on October 9, 2026, by Complex Music on social media. The song's inclusion has generated pride among Ghanaian social media users, who see it as recognition of highlife music's global reach. Pat Thomas is a renowned Ghanaian highlife vocalist, often referred to as the "Golden Voice of Africa". His collaboration with Ebo Taylor helped shape the sound of Ghanaian highlife in the 1970s and 1980s.
Pat Thomas's "Gye Wani" is one of several tracks selected for the Grand Theft Auto VI soundtrack, which features a diverse range of artists. The list includes Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, Charli xcx, MGMT, Bad Bunny, and Nigerian artist Asake. The soundtrack also features country classics, South African tracks, and rock staples from Black Sabbath, Pantera, and Slayer. The inclusion of "Gye Wani" represents a rare moment of international visibility for highlife, a genre celebrated locally but with limited global mainstream exposure.
The addition of "Gye Wani" to the Grand Theft Auto VI soundtrack is significant for Ghanaian music fans. The game is expected to be played by tens of millions of people worldwide, potentially introducing Pat Thomas and Ebo Taylor's artistry to new listeners. Highlife music has long been a staple of Ghanaian culture, but its global reach has been limited. The game's soundtrack provides a platform for the genre to gain international recognition.
Pat Thomas and Ebo Taylor's collaboration on "Gye Wani" is part of a long creative partnership. The two musicians helped shape the sound of Ghanaian highlife through the 1970s and 1980s. Thomas is widely regarded as one of Ghana's most influential highlife vocalists. The inclusion of "Gye Wani" on the Grand Theft Auto VI soundtrack is a testament to their enduring legacy.
The reaction among Ghanaians online has been largely centered on pride, with social media users congratulating Pat Thomas and framing the development as recognition of highlife music's global reach. The news has sparked a sense of national pride, with many celebrating the inclusion of a Ghanaian classic on a global gaming franchise.
The official release date for Grand Theft Auto VI has not been specified, nor has the full soundtrack been confirmed. No further statements from Pat Thomas, Ebo Taylor, or the game's developers regarding the inclusion of "Gye Wani" have been reported. The anticipation for the game's release is building, with fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the soundtrack.
The inclusion of "Gye Wani" on the Grand Theft Auto VI soundtrack marks a significant milestone for Ghanaian music. The game's global reach provides a unique opportunity for highlife music to gain international recognition. As one of the most anticipated video game releases in the world, Grand Theft Auto VI is set to introduce Pat Thomas and Ebo Taylor's artistry to a global audience.
Key points
- Pat Thomas's 1984 highlife classic "Gye Wani" joins the Grand Theft Auto VI soundtrack.
- The inclusion of "Gye Wani" represents a rare moment of international visibility for highlife music.
- The game's global reach could introduce Pat Thomas and Ebo Taylor's artistry to tens of millions of new listeners.
