Telling the African Story: Komla Dumor at TEDxEuston

www.tedxeuston.com Komla Dumor is one of the most recognised faces voices at the British Broadcasting Corporation. After a successful career in journalism in this native Ghana where he was named journalist of the year in 2003 for his investigations into public sector corruption, this former medical student joined the BBC in 2006 as the anchor of Network Africa. He is currently one of BBC's leading presenters with a range of responsibilities across all of the BBC's platforms - television radio and online. Komla presents the European morning programme on World News for the BBC's British and global audiences but his strongest contribution to the BBC has been his passionate and unparalleled coverage of Africa. Between 2009 and 2012 Komla was the anchor of the groundbreaking Africa Business Report on BBC World News. This program (a first for the BBC) took Komla to close to 20 African countries covering hundreds of thousands of miles interviewing the continents top entrepreneurs, politicians and policy makers. In addition to the European mornings Komla is the face and main anchor for the first BBC's programme dedicated daily African news and current affairs show; Focus on Africa.
Intro and Outro music by Kadialy Kouyate performed at TEDxEuston 2011. You can view the full performance here: • Performance: Kadialy K... .
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@toffickmohammed7696]

Routinely, I come here to watch Komla on his birthdays and death anniversaries. Today being the 18th of January, I'm here once again to pay tribute to this gallant son of the land. It's been 7 years and I'm looking forward to seeing a biographical work published to honor his name, at least.

[@008overrated]

This person died? How or why did he die?

[@chi-chinwaosuagwu617]

He died??! 😳 😳

[@dramafashionandcelebtv-cr3bc]

​@@chi-chinwaosuagwu617Yes sadly. At age 41

[@KCDCMarketing]

"Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter." I love this proverb meaning. It's time to learn to write, teach others to do so and pass on to generations to rewrite history. Thank you Komla Dumor for the inspiration.

[@josefobong169]

That's from Chinua Achebe, in *_Things Fall Apart._*

[@2soundsentertainment314]

He will be remembered 😢

[@benjaminlamptey1867]

@@josefobong169 Nigerian novels are some of the best written I've ever read. Things Fall Apart is such a masterpiece.

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

me too

[@zalishaabdool6671]

Perfection Is Rare??...As Modern?.. As We Can Get!!....IN 2022!!...WE DO NOT... SEE ANYONE LIKE KOMLA DUMOR!!!

[@benjaminlamptey1867]

I went to high school with this guy's nephew...may Komla Dumor rest in peace. This guy was such a blessing to Ghana, he is deeply missed.

[@blessing7503]

Who's watching in 2019? Rest in peace Komla Dumor.

[@kwamezulushabazz]

I watch/share several times a year.

[@chimakalu41]

Komla died?

[@kwamezulushabazz]

@@chimakalu41 Yes, Komla Transitioned in 2014. We were all shocked.

[@chimakalu41]

@@kwamezulushabazz oh no...wow.oh no.

[@geokola]

How come I never heard of this fine gentleman? Best TedEx presentation ever. Similar Nigeria story where crude oil sold to the West at peanuts and refined products imported at 100000%. No Nigerian refinery works at full capacity as we speak.

[@gabrielababio9437]

My Brother, Ghana is proud of you, for making her proud. May your soul rest in perfect peace,

[@ablaabla7158]

RIP!!! 😭. oh komla, your days were short on earth but you really really lived and left such a legacy. am so glad BBC named a scholarship after him. in his short time at BBC he made such an impact and lived to tell Africa's story. you are really missed. rest in peace in a better place.🙏

[@nanakwaku4you]

Still watching this in 2021... Proud Ghanaian🇬🇭🇬🇭.. Proudly African!

[@gazzboard]

I had never heard of Komla Dumor before today, Ive just watched this clip of him and concluded the world has lost someone special.

[@ubahkeyse5350]

From somalia big respect from all african nation😍

[@testermailer4130]

thanks dear sister also from somalia

[@mohamedsaeedal-jaabir5933]

🇸🇴

[@solangenobretorres]

Thanks sister! From Sao Tome and Principe with all my love and respect.

[@kezsaunders474]

🇰🇪

[@MasisReubenPanos]

Tragic loss, so hard to comprehend. We need more journalists and presenters like Komla Dumor!

[@roytelfer2675]

Masis Panos Aruba

[@j.frederickbland9068]

First, I appreciated hearing the Nigerian song (singing of peace, unity, and love); so beautiful. I am a citizen of the USA and it is such a contrast to the United States song ("and the rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air"). Secondly, yes, there must be a balanced presentation of the lives of people of color; globally. If you're going to show the village, then also show the city and vice versa. Finally, it is important for each of us to tell our own story; whether it be countries or individuals. No one can tell my story better than me because I've lived it! Peace.

[@tonnired]

Africa lost one of her greatest sons! You have no idea how many people you have inspired in your brief career! RIP

[@mediocre5645]

RIP he definitely made me smile 🍷💯

[@tomikacox360]

Oh Wow! What happened?

[@taiwoaminu9882]

You mean this guy is actually dead now? Woow!!.

[@SoSoSango]

True

[@andzagatsheni521]

is this guy dead ? what happened?

[@jothishprabu8]

I'm an Indian. I've lived in Nigeria for a few years. Love The people... so kind and humble. ❤

[@chad5338]

Nigeria people are treating Indian's people with respect, kindness and humility while the Indians are Nigérians with hate ans even west as far as killing them as if Nigerians are the cost of their poverty, look there os poverty every where even in almighty America and Europe they should get that. Peace.

[@zweeterion]

I miss Komla Dumor sooooo much! Hearing his voice again, i am moved to tears. Then in the USA, i paid extra with Comcast cable so i could watch BBC world Service and see Komla every 8.00 pm EST. BBC was the best then. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen!

[@molarashasanya9906]

One of the best TedTalk I have ever watch. Sadly, he died a few years ago. May his beautiful soul continue to rest in peace. Amen.

[@jenniferafuakwa6672]

Komla! 10 years you’ve been gone but your voice; your greatest God-given gift still transcends. Brilliant and funny. Rest in glory!

[@rebeccaclement32]

Although I'm not nigerian, but that start made me proud. I'm smiling from ear to ear

[@DilysSillah]

That's ok because he wasn't from Nigeria either... he was from Ghana!

[@hainleysimpson1507]

+Rebecca Clement Hey Rebecca.

[@thedamiolanrewaju7600]

i feel you!

[@Najma_0012]

Me too 😍😍😍 it was incredible

[@asemelukpo314]

@@DilysSillah true...but his early years was spent in Nigeria; his father was a lecturer at Bayero University Kano, and he was my block mate at the University of Jos, where he'd gained admission to read Medicine at age Sixteen. Things didn't work out as planned, so he had to go back to Ghana. He was a lovely soul.

[@bumablaise09]

We are saddened by the news of your passing. You will be greatly missed.

[@titbitsaboutmay]

So sad... Hmm

[@TheDydy26]

Ok.. That moment You watch that vidéo and think Komla Dumor is the most charismatic and maybe the sexiest man you' ve ever seen. You read the comments looking for someone who thought the same before you and all You see is RIP comments.. Damn.

[@jinkunzhang9643]

Same here. Damn.

[@debsmatthew1814]

Is sad felt the same way, may his soul continue to rest in peace Amen.

[@debsmatthew1814]

Happy New year to you and your loved ones.

[@oliviaturner7388]

Yeah, he died a few years ago. Real suave, brilliant communicator, Africa really lost a giant!

[@benkisebe8216]

Sad reality

[@Specialeena]

So, so saddened by his death! He's such an interesting speaker, I could listen to him for hours! Love and prayers for his family

[@charleslotara]

*Why is it that West African nations seem to appreciate African identity more than other regions of the continent?* *I really like the spirit...*

[@brightlight7217]

Charles Lotara Not true. They glorify Saudi Arabia more. Their identity is arabo-african. Bunch of traitors over there. In my country in center, We love Africa in its purity, with no influence of the oppressors religions, Islam.

[@adejokebakare]

Bright Light you are DEFINATLY NOT West African with that response and uou know next to nothing about the region.

[@brightlight7217]

Adejoke Bakare then tell me about that region! Tell me that it's not under the influence of Arabs leaders! Even little Morocco and Algeria influence you. At the same time French, UK and USA control what's left from your culture and economy. Your islam religion will eventually bring terror in whole Africa! Stop being Arabo-africans. Your spiritual leaders captuted you for slavery and still do, yet you love Mecca! Sad.

[@libanwarsame5428]

It might be down to the fact that they had suffered for being Africans more than the rest of the continent, if you know what I mean. Afrika Unite.

[@bonniesalima6431]

Charles Lotara Answering your question I believe it's because west Africa has embraced Christianity and Islam but it has not forgotten its African spirituality Root's. Maybe except for South Africa. In order to have an identity to Africa, one has to know them self, it only comes when you know yourself through your own concept's your own African concepts.

[@AlbertAkogo]

Thank you Komla for letting your light shine, your legacy lives on!

[@cecildoyi]

I remember watching this man on BBC and knowing he was Ghanaian, I would watch CNN because i loved it more but will still tune in to BBC just to see Komla Dumor. RIP once again, Young King!

[@mbndlovu6322]

Watching this today (12/05/2020), Very insightful presentation and I am saddened by his passing 💔

[@WJosephine]

He was such a brilliant mind, articulate and with an impeccable sense of humour.

[@bennartey3409]

I have tears in my eyes and chills down my spine. I remember hearing that voice on Joy Fm for years. We will forever miss you Komla. Rest in peace bro.

[@kariminjoka2550]

"It's not so much about what the international media writes about you (Africans), it's what you write about yourself." Komal Dumor.

[@RichardChowning]

RIP he understood the African story and helped us all understand it better.

[@jonaskwadjososou2871]

Happy posthumous' 50th birthday to the Boss Player. Man was simply a gift from Ghana to the world. Keep resting well Boss Player.

[@olayemiclaridge7975]

My brother Kola, RIP. You made Africa proud.

[@DoreVibe]

Wow... when they started singing I almost lost it... as soon as they stood and sang that anthem I started to tear up... absolutely beautiful. I'm an American. We have been scattered. Finding things that connect us... a sense of unity, music... it is wonderful. As we learn each others stories we will be better prepared to unite and climb to heights never before seen in history.

[@yvonneasare418]

RIP your work is not in vain.

[@patrickpuplampu-dove5179]

I keep watching and never get tired of watching this.

[@MabawaVocal]

I WOULD LISTEN TO THIS GUY TALK FOR A LONG TIME WITHOUT GETTING BORED

[@begyedomdaasebreadansi-pre84]

Komla.....you have really made my day. Your confidence and special ways of speaking using real African cultural communication skills and the inspiration you give will live forever with us.....Yes, it is true the tongue NEVER DIES....R.I.P brother.

[@RenaissanceBoss]

Rest in Peace Kolma.. Flawless presentation skills and effortless sense of humour is missed by all.

[@Akabuego]

Familiar with Komla and his work at BBC for a little over three years, I can truly say that he was one of the best. He may have been from Ghana but he was Africa's ambassador in the broadcast industry. I will miss his big smile and the self confidence he exuded in all of his broadcasts. My deepest condolence to his family and to a dear friend who I never did meet, person to person, RIP. You made us proud!

[@srpingerpat]

Who is still watching Komla in 2019?

[@realeluebo444]

Just me and u

[@abdinooradan5270]

And me

[@akinlajaa]

And me

[@masuzyowilima4797]

2020 here

[@rejoyceamadeh2775]

Still watching in 2024🥹

[@vantobi1814]

Back here in 2021. Still my favourite talk. Rest on, Komla Dumor. 🕊

[@tedxlabone7686]

Komla, you such a great inspiration to we the youth in Ghana.

[@LydiaAMOSAHANOBIL]

11 years down the line, I'm here watching and being inspired 😍. You will forever be in our hearts. Continue resting in Peace !!!!

[@mamle889]

In 2024 I'm here watching this beautiful talent. Continue to rest well, Komla Dumor.

[@MrGijoe139]

Tariro Taruvinga I am an African American, but i want to know about my African roots. I heard the anthem and it help me to understand it a little bit more. Here is thing, I would consider myself sincerely wanting to find out about my ancestors. I want to teach my kids the truth. Why withhold your gift of the truth from those who want to know?

[@SEORoyalTelevision]

Its was my Nigerian national anthem you can ask me for some history I can proudly share

[@LiliansGardens]

Rest in peace, KomlaDumor, It was a sad day. ... and I'm a Nigerian, I just love this memorable talk you have left behind.

[@naaayeleyaryeetey2023]

Great Piece Komla Dumor. We need to learn to tell our own story!God bless Africa!

[@sundescoclarke48]

Komla, you were an Icon of Africa. We are missing your melodious voice. Rest in peace ❤ 💕.

[@niiyarboi]

This is awesome Komla. Africans indeed have to learn to tell their own story

[@goodness563]

Rest in Peace Komla - I hope your wife and children continue to be proud of everything you did to lift up the continent. Mama Africa is still proud of you. May your memory always lighten up our days. We all miss you!

[@emilyappiah1505]

Komla, may Ur Gentle Soul RIPP. Yu Served Ur Purpose nd Ghana is Proud of Yu. Though gone, Yu are Still Inspiring others by this Speeches.

[@theyorubaman]

Komla Dumor, you are one of a kind. #Africa loves you. You will be missed.

[@csrNIGA]

RIP Komla, you achieved so much as such a tender age. We will surely miss you mate.

[@Mstees1]

Wow......I watched him on the news the night before. Only to wake up in the morning to the news of his passing. This life 🙏🏽

[@AfroVibez]

Really . . . and you so confident . . . That line just kills it - rip

[@queenaishaa4548]

Rip Komla Dumor, you inspired us all

[@joshuananakwameayira8752]

Several instances have i used this ace broadcaster/journalist as an inspiration for spontaneity and wit in all things that i do so long as the subject "media" comes into play. The majority say i sound like him well that's because he mirrorizes my personality. R.I.P Komla. we will continue from where you ended and will surely bring you the trophy when we meet again someday.

[@fredytsamba3964]

Hello! Tu es fasion ds ta cravatte!Jimmy-M

[@danlewis8019]

So full of life and laughter. Best Ted Talk I have ever seen. I watch it from time to time to brighten my day. Make difference while you can. R.I.P. Brother Komla

[@bamidele1231]

I just came to the comments to say how much i enjoyed this video and i'm seeing people say he has passed on. Rest in Power Komla Dumor! You've surely impacted my life with this talk.

[@komakechkenyi9122]

Greatman.. inspired me ...2020 June still watching....RIP.

[@estheragbon5216]

Your message is still so relevant today. Stumbled on this tedtalk while searching and got hooked till the end. What a talent! RIP Komla you were a gem.

[@abiolaolaniyan5165]

Watching in 2020, RIP Komla. A great son of Africa

[@ThaDreamer18]

You gave and had yet so much more to give. Africa has endured a huge loss. Fare thee well, Brother.

[@odiancreek]

Wow i love this, May his soul rest in peace. I saw this just 4 years after its publishing date. I am sharing it. He might be gone but he left us this message. Love from Botswana.

[@PeteS_1994]

The narrative will always glorify the hunter until the lion itself learns how to write. Great quote, I'm using it for myself from now on.

[@alicherifmahammatdari2133]

It's a Proverb by Chinua achebe

[@bishopscore]

Thanks for the memories, Komla.

[@naledimoss2]

just watched this clip for the first time. Special does not begin to describe this gentle giant. I started watching his show 2years ago and I feel like i've lost a friend. You are great! Wonderful and a beautiful soul that words cannot describe. God bless your soul and may you rest in eternal peace. You are loved!

[@TheAfricanGourmet]

Komla Dumor may be gone but his legacy will live on throughout the coming years.

[@sheilamutavu1176]

Gone too soon Komla Dumor, your talent and passion for the Motherland will be greatly missed! May the doors you opened expand beyond what you imagined! R.I.P!

[@vimbayikajese2336]

what a giant tackling a giant...the perception of Africa & it's narrative. so much to have learnt from him

[@smadetokunbo1977]

watching january 2020,may his soul rest in paradise KOMLA

[@surewill442]

Komla you did so much in your given time. Journey on to greater things in service. You said so much in 19 minutes. Afrikans must learn about themselves and the beautiful continent,the pan Afrikan way! It doesn't matter about language, traditions, the divisions etc. What matters is our love for the continent and all that it has been given by The Creator. If we had followed Nkrumah's dream and not allowed outside influences to divide us, we would be standing in gratitude in honour of The Most High. It lies with the next generation to develop the necessary insights and strength.

[@Omanjisinkala]

am from Zambia, this really shade some light on how i view Africa as a continent.

[@blackandwhite7312]

R.I.P Brother.......Dr. Elleni is really one of the most amazing women Africa have. By creating the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (EIC) she helped millions of Ethiopian farmers to have a direct access to the current market values of their crops and put their own price tag and get the benefits of their hard work. Where as earlier the middleman was the beneficiary of the farmers sweat and dedication....salute all African brothers and sisters who have been working hard to improve the livelihood of their communities.

[@raymondconteh2247]

komla u left us when you are mostly needed what a brain the african continent and the world at large have lost u will be highly remembered in many ways your sense of humour on the stage with your audience and your successful career in journalism may the lord bless your wife and family and the nation of our beloved GHANA RiP RAYMOND S CONTEH

[@bb412m]

Well Komla, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the director-general of the WTO now. And what an interview it would have been. Also, Covid made the home office a thing. May you rest 🙏🏾😔

[@danwalker1415]

I had no idea that he had passed as I just became aware of this clip last week. I was so impressed that I sent it out to my friends. This was one heavy Brother who connected with my core. So sad.

[@LionEntity]

Please, do you know how he passed? I heard it was right after he did this speech, it sounds as if he was murdered!

[@danwalker1415]

No from what I understand it was from an medical condition he was dealing with for quite some time.

[@danlewis8019]

He had a heart attack. He did approximately 48-72 hours later.

[@pib-wiu6360]

@@LionEntity sometimes one wonder why someone this young, hale and healthy would just drop dead? The real truth lies with the Almighty. May his brilliant soul continue to rest in peace🙏🙏

[@GracefullyKaren]

May his soul rest in peace. I love this talks. Interesting & humorous

[@rusaroful]

A really talented man and was so full of life! I remember how I enjoyed listening to him on the radio.May your soul rest in peace!😪❤

[@TheDungudungu]

Love Love Love @Komla Dumor.. Total inspiration.. Love from Kenya

[@iMarfo]

Am proud of u the Boss Prayer and more proud to be Ghanaian. RIP Komla Dumor.

[@nellykutana2526]

RIP.

[@denielmacaulay]

So much has been said but all the same feel like I have to drop a word brother... Not many people of my age inspire me, you're the most prominent and I Salute you. I believe you departing has created a much bigger awareness and consciousness about Africa and within its people. Chaley, I believe you dey chill with the ancestors and they are all over you! Rest in peace brother!

[@JeremiahPatsika]

That is by far one of the best Tedx talks i have watched

[@flipcritic]

What a bright soul Komla Dumor was. He will be missed so much. God bless his soul.

[@daamatmultimediaplc3653]

Am from Ethiopia but that start made me proud . ናይጄሪያ (Nigeria) , that is Ethiopian alphabet to write NIGERIA

[@jonesagyei1384]

wow. How would you write Ghana

[@bethlehemsahle7521]

ጋና = Ghana

[@love0vanessa]

The world has lost a true gem!!! RIP, Komla...

[@AkintayoAkinwunmi]

Can't believe you're gone. Rest in peace Komlar Dumor. You were a great ambassador of Africa and will be missed.

[@MrMaajabuyamusa]

I will miss you. Listened to you for 5 yrs abroad. Kept me company, informed and entertained during my graveyard shifts. RIP.

[@Phoenix_TechAnalyst]

I like nigeria by the way. I'm a native Congolese

[@joycediondo4142]

me too

[@jacopabdurahmanali4408]

from somalia growing up big love for my country ❤❤❤

[@shaz651]

One of my favorite TED talks. Miss you Komla!

[@omoboladeolagunju1541]

Still remains one of my favorite talks. I always randomly remember it and watch it.

[@ohemaacil3302]

Still hard to believe. You spent your days well on earth and you deserve to be celebrated. Your life and death has really inspired me. I know I'm going to be a better person, thanks to you. Komla, do have an eternal rest. You may be gone but you'll never be forgotten. Damirafa due!! :(

[@barbarita9]

Unbelievable. Such a loss, I watched this extraordinary man every day on BBCWorld, you will be greatly missed.

[@fredericknyaho813]

Indeed u were the light in our eyes and the joy in our heart.Komla,bcos of u I watch focus of Africa with pride.We thank God for ur life,truly,were a gift to our generation.RIP

[@tangeni_mos]

Rest in Peace Komla.. Thanks for your legacy of promoting and providing insight into various African businesses. Your show played a pivotal role in my interest in my continent's opportunities and business ties.

[@dr.korantwi-barimahjustice281]

Komla really inspired me. Ghana and Africa lost a germ. R.I.P

[@markeddo]

So smooth. My friend. Nobody had the swagger of the 'Boss Playa'.

[@simp1eone]

Gosh i miss him like crazy. Ghana misses you so much. May he continue to rest in peace

[@Hal.chemist]

Greatings from Angola 🇦🇴

[@god_spriest]

watching it in june, 2018 n Im saddened by his death again, we've lost a great person

[@kibabumwenyewe]

Now we have to tell the African Story in our own way because Komla has shown us that it is possible. Will deeply miss you Komla, Rest in Peace.

[@cejoyjoy]

Komla Dumor, you lived your life impeccably and we will always remember the high standard and excellence you epitomized. Efo Komla Dumor rest in perfect peace.

[@brandigreene6825]

This is a masterclass in communications in under 20 minutes. Engaging, informative, humorous, and persuasive. This is how it should be done.

[@wetals.]

Really enjoyed this..... Great presentation...!!!