Famously known as the composer of ‘Ghana Freedom’, a timeless record made commercially successful by its melodious composition and significance to Ghana’s independence. The lyrics, “…toils of the brave and the sweat of their labour, toils of the brave which have brought results”, embody the struggle and reward of the Gold Coasters’ resilience for sovereignty. Emmanuel Tettey Owusu Mensah popularly known as E.T. Mensah was born on the 19^th of May, 1919 in Accra, in the Gold Coast.

He began his formal elementary education at a government school in Accra and later attended Accra High School for his secondary education. Whilst in elementary school, at the age of twelve (12), he began playing the flute and a year later, the piccolo, a smaller version of the western concert flute also known as ‘baby flute’. He was a member of the Accra Orchestra, a band made of talented school children formed by Joe Lamptey.

According to his son, E.T Mensah Jnr. in an interview with music executive, Henry Paa Kwesi Holdbrock-Smith, his father developed the zeal to play his signature trumpet from his father and older brother, James Yebuah Mensah, who both played all wind instruments at the time. He continued that whilst a member of the Accra Orchestra, E.T Mensah was a tenor player who was smart at reading musical notes. However, the group’s substantive trumpeter was not matching their energy.

Since he already had an interest in playing the trumpet, he ordered a trumpet and a guide book by renowned American musician, Harry James, titled, “Harry James Trumpet Method” by Harry James & Everette James. This helped hone E.T Mensah’s craft to what he became known for. He was transferred to Sandema in the Upper East Region of Ghana by the Health Ministry in furtherance of a government policy as a pharmacist. There, he practiced constantly and mastered the playing of the trumpet. When he returned to Accra, he insisted on playing as lead trumpeter for the Accra Rhythmic Orchestra, a group he formed with his brother, J.Y Mensah.

In 1947, he joined a group of session musicians made up of European soldiers who had been posted to the Gold Coast. They performed at military events. This is what laid the foundation for his famed Tempos Band. As the European soldiers cum musicians left the shores of the Gold Coast, they were replaced by indigenes. E.T Mensah led the Tempos Band to international success and admiration. They composed smash hits, easily memorable, is ‘All For You’.

He also performed with a host of great musicians, notable amongst them is American trumpeter and vocalist, Louis Armstrong in 1956. He had a collaborative album with Nigerian musician, Dr. Victor Olaiya, a pioneer of what is now known as Afrobeats titled, ‘Highlife Giants of Africa Vol. 1’ released in 1983. His records namely, ‘205’ and ‘Medzi Medzi’ are featured on World Music Network compilation albums ‘The Rough Guide to West African Music’ and ‘The Rough Guide to Highlife’ released in 1995 and 2003 respectively.

On July 19, 1996, E.T. Mensah, tagged ‘The King of Highlife,’ became an ancestor. However, his good works live on to this day, and on every Independence Day, as we commemorate our freedom as a people, we do so in exhilarating remembrance of those who made the period euphoric and hopeful with their talent.

Oyi wala dɔŋŋ Onukpa E.T Mensah

Happy Independence Day Ghana!