King of Highlife Anthology 4CD Set by ET Mensah & The Tempos: A Sonic Safari You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’re into music that feels like a warm hug from your grandma but also makes you wanna shake what your mama gave ya, then King of Highlife Anthology is the jam for you. This 4CD beast by ET Mensah & The Tempos isn’t just an album—it’s more like a time-traveling jukebox stuffed with African vibes, Highlife grooves, Cha-Cha flair, and Calypso sass. Released in 2015 (yeah, Europe was late to the party, but hey, better late than never), this RetroAfric release is packed with enough tracks to soundtrack your life for days.
Now, I’m not gonna lie—there are SO MANY songs on this thing. Like... too many. It’s almost overwhelming. But let me tell ya about two bangers that stuck in my head harder than gum under a school desk.
First up, “Tea Samba.” Oh man, this one slaps. It starts off all smooth and chill, like someone handed you a cup of tea while whispering sweet nothings in your ear. Then BAM—it kicks into high gear with those punchy horns and rhythms that make your feet move whether you want them to or not. Honestly? If this track were a person, it’d be the cool uncle who shows up uninvited to family gatherings but somehow steals the show. I can’t get enough of it.
Then there’s “Ghana Freedom.” Now THIS tune hits different. It’s got that patriotic vibe without being cheesy about it. The melody wraps around you like a flag at a football match, and the lyrics? Pure fire. Listening to it feels like standing on a hilltop shouting, “Yeah, we made it!” even if you don’t know exactly what “it” is. Every time it comes on, I find myself nodding along like some kind of wise sage—or maybe just a guy who really likes good music.
The rest of the album? Well, it’s kinda like walking through a bustling market where every stall has something unique to offer. From the playful bounce of “School Girl” to the reflective tones of “Korle Bu,” each track brings its own flavor to the table. Some are upbeat and fun, others slow and soulful, but none of ‘em feel outta place. It’s like ET Mensah & The Tempos threw a big musical potluck, and everyone brought their best dish.
But here’s the kicker—the whole experience leaves you thinking, “Wow, why don’t we hear more music like this today?” In a world full of auto-tuned pop stars and cookie-cutter beats, albums like King of Highlife Anthology remind us how rich and diverse music can be when artists actually put their hearts into it. And honestly? That’s worth way more than four CDs.
Final thought: If aliens ever land and ask for proof of human creativity, hand them this album. They’ll either beam us aboard their spaceship as honorary galactic musicians—or immediately start dancing. Either way, win-win.
