E.T. Mensah and the Tempos
For an example of highlife's Ghanaian social commentary, infused by American-Cuban musical style, listen to the Inflation Calypso.
Mensah composed over forty highlife tunes in support of Ghana's first leader, Kwame Nkrumah, provide music at major CCP rallies and accompany the leader on State visits to neighboring countries.
E.T. Mensah composed the following songs in support of Ghanaian nationalism, utilizing the highlife idiom, strongly influenced by jazz, even as nationalism was influenced by African-American intellectual figures, such as WEB Dubois.
Ghana, we now have freedom
Ghana, land of freedom
Toils of the brave and the sweat of their labours
Toils of the brave which have brought results
Kwame is part of Ghana
Nkrumah is part of Ghana
Ghana, Guinea, Mali
Ghana, Guinea, Mali Union
Has laid down a strong foundation
For redemption of Africa
For which we’ve been strongly fighting
Africa’s strongest foundation
The nucleus of their Great Union
Has now once been laid forever
First it was Ghana, Guinea
Then it was Ghana, Guinea, Mali
Soon it will be all of Africa
The achievement of our great destiny
Africa is now awakened that unity can save her
All leaders of Mother Africa
Are called to join this great union
