Philip Gbeho facts for kids

Philip Comi Gbeho (born January 14, 1904 – died September 24, 1976) was a talented Ghanaian musician, composer, and teacher. He is most famous for writing the music for Ghana's National Anthem, "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana". He also helped create the Arts Council of Ghana and led the National Symphony Orchestra.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Philip Gbeho was born in a fishing village called Vodza on January 14, 1904. This village is near Keta in the Volta Region of what was then the Gold Coast. His father, Doe Gbeho, was a fisherman. His mother, Ametowofa, was a trader and a gifted singer. She led the female singers in the village's drumming and dancing group.

Philip went to Keta Roman Catholic Boys School. There, he learned to play the organ very quickly. He even became a student organist at the school.

In January 1925, Philip Gbeho joined the new Achimota Teacher Training College in Accra. While studying to become a teacher, he used the college's great music facilities. He improved his skills as a pianist and violinist. He learned from experienced teachers from other countries at Achimota College.

After becoming a teacher in December 1929, Gbeho went back to Keta. He taught at the Roman Catholic Boys School. He loved music very much, so he became the organist at St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral. He also started the St. Cecilia's Choir, which is still active today. He made the choir perform at a very high level. Philip also opened an informal music school in Keta. This school helped students prepare for music exams from London's Victoria College of Music.

Becoming a Music Master

Philip Gbeho's hard work in music in Keta caught the attention of Achimota College. In 1938, they asked him to teach music there. Gbeho accepted and started his new job as a music master that same year.

In 1949, he received a one-year scholarship from the British Council. This allowed him to study at the Trinity College of Music in the United Kingdom. While in London, Gbeho became well-known in the cultural community. He often gave talks and showed examples of African music, especially from the Gold Coast.

His dancing group, made up of West African students, became very popular. They performed in many places and even on British television. Gbeho also regularly spoke on the BBC overseas radio programmes. He was especially popular on the "Calling West Africa" show.

In 1950, the Gold Coast government gave Gbeho another scholarship. He continued his studies at Trinity College of Music to earn a special degree in music. He kept giving lectures, broadcasting, and performing African music in London. He also took private exams from the Royal Academy of Music. This earned him another music teaching qualification.

Promoting Ghanaian Culture

After finishing his studies, Gbeho returned to the Gold Coast. He continued teaching music at Achimota Secondary School. His experiences in the UK inspired him greatly. He started a campaign to make traditional music popular in schools and colleges. He especially focused on schools run by missionaries.

He strongly believed in creating an Arts Council and building a National Theatre. He also gave many talks on national radio. He helped bring back traditional music, which had faced challenges from colonial rulers.

Gbeho dedicated his life to teaching music and helping Ghanaians appreciate their cultural heritage. He gave many talks on Radio Ghana about local music. He often ended his broadcasts by saying, "Think well of these things." These broadcasts helped people see their own culture as valuable, not "primitive." Gbeho was truly outstanding in promoting Ghanaian culture.

In 1954, the government decided to create a group to "foster, improve and preserve the traditional arts and culture of the Gold Coast." Gbeho was chosen to lead the first committee for the Arts Council of the Gold Coast. This committee organized art shows and festivals in different regions. These events helped people become more interested in Ghanaian culture. The first National Festival of the Arts happened in Accra in March 1957, the week Ghana became independent.

Another important thing Gbeho did was create the National Symphony Orchestra and Choir in 1963. This group aimed to help people understand and enjoy Western classical music.

Ghana's National Anthem

Just before Ghana became independent, Philip Gbeho won a competition. He wrote the music for the new National Anthem for Ghana. His music is still used for the anthem today.

Ghana needed a new anthem to replace "God Save the Queen". Gbeho's music was one of many entries given to a special committee. Four pieces were chosen and played on the radio. People voted for their favorite, and Gbeho's music won by a lot. The first part of his original song went like this:

However, the government decided to use new words for the anthem. These new words were written by a different committee. So, on March 6, 1957, Gbeho's music was used with these new words as the National Anthem.

Honors and Recognition

Many people praised Philip Gbeho for his work. Dr. Seth Cudjoe, who took over as chairman of the Arts Council, spoke about Gbeho in 1954. He said that Gbeho's "great enthusiasm, energy and strong personality" would not be forgotten. He also said that Gbeho's committee laid a strong foundation for the Arts Council.

In 1965, Gbeho received the Grand Medal from Ghana. This was to honor his efforts in starting the Arts Council and his contributions to the country's culture. In August 1972, the Arts Council and the Ministry of Education gave him a special plaque. The plaque called him the "Father of the present Arts Council of Ghana." It also praised his role as Director of Music and Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra.

Geoffrey Mensah Amoah, who led the National Symphony Orchestra, also spoke highly of Gbeho. He said Gbeho was a great conductor and leader. He remembered how Gbeho arranged popular highlife tunes and traditional songs for the Orchestra. Gbeho also helped many choirs learn to perform G. F. Handel's Messiah with an orchestra.

Later Years and Family

Philip Gbeho passed away on September 24, 1976. He was married and had seven children. Some of his children who are still living include: James Victor Gbeho, who was a diplomat and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Theresa Abui Tetteh, an organist, music teacher, and Director of the National Symphony Orchestra Ghana; and Peter Tsatsu Gbeho, a Director at the Ministry of Information.