Emmanuel Tettey Mensah, better known as E.T. Mensah, was an influential Ghanaian musician regarded as the "King of Highlife" music. Born on 31st May 1919 in Accra, Ghana, his impact on the West African music scene was profound and enduring. Known for his mastery on the trumpet and his leadership of the band 'The Tempos', Mensah was integral in popularizing highlife music, which is a genre that fuses traditional Akan rhythms with Western jazz and swing elements.

Throughout his illustrious career, E.T. Mensah collaborated with numerous artists and led a band that became the epicenter of highlife music during its golden age in the 1950s and 1960s. His music not only provided the soundtrack for a newfound post-colonial nationalism that swept across Ghana but also resonated across the African continent. Albums such as "Highlight Giants of Africa" and "51 Lex Presents: Tea Samba" continued to showcase his versatility and mastery over the genre. Although he passed away on 19th July 1996, his music lives on, celebrated in compilations like "E.T. Mensah and the Tempo Band," "Day By Day," and "All For You," ensuring that future generations can experience the rich tapestry of his highlife sounds. His legacy remains a cornerstone in the history of African music.