E.T. Mensah was a renowned Ghanaian musician and band leader, but in the 50s and early 60s, he was better known as the undisputed “King of Highlife” throughout “British” West Africa, that is, Nigeria, Western Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia.

Highlife dance music was one of the earliest popular fusions of West African music and western sounds. In this case the influences were strongly from the English and Spanish Caribbean in the form of the Merengue, Charanga, Cha-cha, Rumba, Calypso and so on (which interestingly have roots in West African music), but also saw heavy influence from American swing music of the post-war era.

Mensah and the Tempos pioneered Highlife in the early 40s through the 50s and 60s, solidifying the sound and paving the way for others, including other early acts like Rex Lawson & The Ramblers, A.B. Crentsil, African Brothers Band, etc.

If you were out dancing in Lagos or Accra in the 1950s and early 60s, highlife music is what the band was most likely playing. It was a music of the times - it reflected the optimism and hope individuals had in a the early days of self rule. You can hear this in the light-hearted themes and uplifting sounds.

Check out E.T. Mensah and the Tempos Band in one of their biggest hits, “All For You.”

E.T. Mensah & The Tempos - All For You

(media offline)

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 17th, 2005 at 11:32 pm and is filed under nigerian highlife. You can skip to the end and leave a response.