Komla Dumor

Komla Dumor was the face that introduced a confident, modern Africa to the world. As the lead presenter of the BBC's Focus on Africa, the Ghanaian journalist became one of the most recognisable African broadcasters of his generation before his sudden death at the age of 41.

Early life

He was born Komla Afeke Dumor on 3 October 1972 in Accra, into a family of achievement. His parents were an educationist and a professor of sociology, and his grandfather, Philip Gbeho, composed Ghana's national anthem at Kwame Nkrumah's request after independence.

Rise in Ghana

He began in radio in Accra, memorably reporting traffic for Joy FM listeners before rising to host its morning show and becoming a household name. He was named Ghana Journalist of the Year in 2003, recognition of a talent that was clearly destined for a bigger stage.

The BBC years

In 2006 he moved to London to join the BBC's African service. He presented for BBC World News and, in 2012, became the inaugural lead presenter of Focus on Africa, the broadcaster's first daily English-language television news programme devoted to the continent, reporting African stories with authority and warmth to a global audience.

Legacy

He died of a heart attack in England on 18 January 2014. The BBC established the annual Komla Dumor Award in his memory, given to rising African journalists, ensuring that his example continues to shape the next generation of storytellers from the continent.