Ambrose Campbell

Born Oladipupo Adekoya Campbell in Lagos, Nigeria, on August 19, 1919, Ambrose Campbell was the leader of Britain's first-ever black band, The West African Rhythm Brothers The group made its first public appearance in London at the May 1945 celebrations in honor of VE Day, performing in Piccadilly Circus as their fellow Londoners celebrated the Nazis' defeat. IIn 1946 the West African Rhythm Brothers toured the U.K. in support of Les Ballets Nègres, Britain's first black ballet company.