Amoeba Music

By Robert Leaver

Musician and bandleader E.T. Mensah was a crucial figure in the development of modern African music. From Ghana in West Africa, Mensah and his band the Tempos set the standard for a new musical hybrid known as highlife. Educated under a British colonial system, Mensah’s music served as a soundtrack for the celebration of African independence. A dapper man whose dignity and pride animated his personality, Mensah earned his nickname “The King of Highlife.”

Born in the Ghanaian capital city of Accra in 1919, Mensah was fortunate to study at a school that became famous for its drum and fife band. His teacher, Joe Lamptey, is credited with introducing Ghana to the sound of... Read More

City Of Origin:

Accra, Ghana

Genre:

World

Birthdate:

01/01/1919

Death date:

01/01/1996