Ghanaian musicians died at 72
Here are 2 famous musicians from Ghana died at 72:
Kobina Arku Korsah
Kobina Arku Korsah (April 3, 1894 Saltpond-January 25, 1967 Ghana) was a Ghanaian lawyer.
He obtained his law degree from Lincoln's Inn in London, England in 1921 and became the first lawyer in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) to be called to the bar. Korsah was instrumental in the development of the legal profession in Ghana and served as a mentor to many young lawyers. He was also a prominent political activist and played a crucial role in the struggle for Ghana's independence. Korsah served as the president of the Ghana Bar Association from 1958 to 1959 and was awarded the Grand Medal of Ghana for his contributions to the legal profession. He is remembered as an influential figure in Ghanaian history and a pioneer in the legal field.
In addition to his legal and political pursuits, Korsah was also a prominent figure in the academic world. He served as a professor of law at the University of Ghana in the early 1960s, where he taught and mentored many students who went on to become prominent lawyers and judges in Ghana. Korsah was highly respected by his colleagues and students, and his contributions to the development of legal education in Ghana continue to be felt to this day. Outside of his professional career, Korsah was known for his dedication to his family and his community. He was a devout Christian who served as an elder in his church and was deeply committed to improving the lives of those around him. Korsah's legacy as a lawyer, activist, and educator continues to be celebrated in Ghana and beyond, and he is remembered as a true pioneer and trailblazer in his field.
In addition to his various roles, Kobina Arku Korsah was also a prolific writer, publishing several articles and books on legal topics. Some of his notable publications include "The Legal History of the Gold Coast and Ashanti" and "The Administration of Justice in the Gold Coast". Korsah's writings represented a pioneering effort to document the legal history and jurisprudence of Ghana and were instrumental in shaping the country's legal system.
Throughout his career, Korsah was also involved in various philanthropic and charitable endeavors. He was a strong advocate for education and served on the board of several schools and educational institutions in Ghana. Korsah was also involved in the establishment of the West African Examination Council, which is responsible for administering high school exams throughout the West African region.
Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Korsah remained humble and deeply committed to his community. He was known for his gentle demeanor, his wisdom, and his unwavering commitment to justice and fairness. Korsah's legacy continues to inspire generations of lawyers, activists, and community leaders in Ghana and throughout the world.
In addition to his legal, political, academic, and philanthropic endeavors, Kobina Arku Korsah was also a dedicated family man. He married his wife, Alberta Ahorlu, in 1926, and together they had six children. Korsah's family was known for their strong values and commitment to education, and many of his children went on to become successful lawyers, doctors, and academics in their own right.His legacy also lives on through the Kobina Arku Korsah Memorial Foundation, which was established by his family to honor his contributions to Ghanaian society. The foundation provides scholarships and other support to young people in Ghana who are pursuing careers in law, education, and other fields, in order to help them achieve their full potential and continue Korsah's legacy of excellence and service.
Read more about Kobina Arku Korsah on Wikipedia »
Philip Gbeho
Philip Gbeho (January 14, 1904 Gold Coast-September 24, 1976) also known as Gbeho, Philip was a Ghanaian personality. He had one child, Victor Gbeho.
Philip Gbeho was a renowned Ghanaian music composer and writer, known for his contributions to the development of Ghanaian music. He is credited with composing the Ghanaian national anthem, "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana." Gbeho was also a teacher, journalist, and author of several books on Ghanaian music and culture. He was a founding member of the Ghana Music Society and served as its first president. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Ghanaian music, Gbeho was awarded the Order of the Volta, one of Ghana's highest honors, in 1963.
Gbeho was born in the town of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast. He attended Presbyterian schools in the region and later enrolled in Achimota College, where he earned a teaching certificate. Gbeho worked as a teacher in a variety of schools throughout Ghana before turning his focus to music composition and performance.
In addition to his work as a composer and writer, Gbeho was also an accomplished singer and instrumentalist. He performed with various ensembles and was a sought-after musical director for cultural events and festivals. He was known for his ability to blend traditional Ghanaian music with Western classical and popular music styles.
Gbeho's legacy continues to be celebrated in Ghana and beyond. His compositions, including "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana," are still widely performed and recognized as important contributions to Ghanaian culture. In 2007, the Ghanaian government declared his birthday, January 14th, as "Philip Gbeho Music Day" in recognition of his contributions to the country's musical heritage.
During his time as a journalist, Gbeho worked as an editor for the Daily Echo newspaper and was the first African to edit the Gold Coast Independent newspaper. He also authored several books on Ghanaian music and culture, including "Folk Songs of the Ewes" and "African Music and the Church." Gbeho's influence extended beyond Ghana, as he served as a representative of the Gold Coast at the International Congress of Africanists in London in 1948.In addition to his achievements in music and journalism, Gbeho was also involved in politics. He was a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention, which played a key role in Ghana's independence in 1957. Gbeho passed away in 1976, but his legacy as a pioneer of Ghanaian music and culture lives on.
Furthermore, Gbeho was known for his efforts to preserve and promote traditional Ghanaian music. He believed that traditional African music should not be dismissed as primitive, but rather recognized as an important part of the country's cultural heritage. In addition to composing new works, he collected and transcribed traditional songs and dances, which he shared through his books and performances.
Gbeho's impact on Ghanaian music was also felt through his students, many of whom went on to become influential musicians in their own right. He taught music at several schools, including St. Augustine's College in Cape Coast, where he served as head of the music department. His students at St. Augustine's included Ephraim Amu, another important Ghanaian composer, and Kofi Ghanaba, a musician and actor who became known as "Guy Warren" after moving to the United States.
Overall, Philip Gbeho was a multi-talented individual who made significant contributions to Ghanaian music, journalism, and politics. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and cultural activists in Ghana and around the world.
Read more about Philip Gbeho on Wikipedia »