Some legacies unfold quietly, their impact rippling far beyond the spotlight. That’s the story of Gyearbuor Asante—a name that, for many, conjures the warm humor and wisdom of Matthew from Channel 4’s beloved sitcom Desmond’s. But to stop there is to miss the remarkable journey of a man whose influence bridged continents, reshaped communities, and continues to inspire both on and off the screen.

From Accra to Peckham: The Making of a Cultural Bridge

Gyearbuor Asante’s story begins in Accra, Ghana, where he was born Frederick Christopher Kwabena Gyearbuor Asante Erskine. His roots ran deep in the traditions of Kwahu Tafo, a town in Ghana’s Eastern Region known for its proud lineage of chiefs. But Asante’s path was never going to be a conventional one. Rather than follow the call to chieftaincy, he chose a different stage, leaving Ghana in the late 1960s to pursue acting in the UK.

Arriving in Britain, he trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where he quickly distinguished himself as a performer of rare talent and depth. Those early days weren’t easy—Black actors in Britain faced limited roles and often typecasting. Yet Asante’s persistence and charisma set him apart, and soon he was appearing in a string of British TV shows throughout the 1970s and 80s, billed as Christopher Asante.

Desmond’s Matthew: A Star and a Symbol

It was the role of Matthew, the Gambian mature student in Desmond’s, that cemented Gyearbuor Asante’s place in Black British TV history. The sitcom, set in a Peckham barbershop, was more than just entertainment—it was a cultural touchstone, a celebration of Black British life, and a rare showcase for a predominantly Black cast at a time when such representation was still groundbreaking.

Matthew’s character, with his earnestness and gentle humor, became a fan favorite. He was a bridge between generations, between Africa and the Caribbean, between tradition and modernity. Asante infused the role with authenticity, drawing on his own experiences as a Ghanaian living in Britain. For many viewers, Matthew was more than a sitcom character; he was a symbol of the diaspora’s complexities, joys, and challenges.

The Desmond’s star Ghana impact was profound. The show didn’t just entertain—it inspired pride, sparked conversations about identity, and gave Black British audiences a rare chance to see themselves reflected on screen.

Turning Down the Stool: A Different Kind of Leadership

Back in Ghana, Asante’s family expected him to step into the role of chief in Kwahu Tafo. But he made a bold, personal choice: he ruled himself out of the running, even undergoing circumcision to ensure he wouldn’t be eligible for enstoolment—a decision rooted in his desire to pursue his acting dreams without the weight of traditional obligations.

Life, however, has a way of coming full circle. When Asante passed away in 2000 at just 58, the community of Kwahu Tafo wanted to honor his legacy. That’s where his close friend and Desmond’s producer, Humphrey Barclay, enters the story.

Humphrey Barclay Enstoolment: A Cross-Cultural Chief

At Asante’s funeral, the chief of Tafo recognized the deep bond between the actor and his British friend. In a remarkable act of cross-cultural exchange, Barclay was enstooled as the Kwahu Tafo development chief, taking on the stool name Nana Kwadwo Ameyaw Gyearbuor Yiadom I. It was a symbolic gesture, acknowledging not only Barclay’s friendship but also his commitment to the community.

Barclay embraced the role wholeheartedly, splitting his time between Britain and Ghana and using his network to raise funds for development projects. Over his 14-year tenure, he spearheaded initiatives that transformed Kwahu Tafo, from rebuilding the local senior high school (which grew from four students and no paid teachers to 650 students and 25 staff in just a few years) to supporting artisans and artists in the region.

Barclay’s story is a testament to the power of cross-cultural chief Ghana—how shared purpose and respect can bridge worlds and spark lasting change.

Friends of Tafo Charity: Community Revival in Action

After Gyearbuor Asante’s passing, Barclay and a group of friends established the Friends of Tafo charity in the UK. Their mission was simple: to honor Asante’s memory by supporting education and development in his hometown.

The charity’s impact has been tangible and wide-reaching. Funds raised have gone toward rebuilding schools, providing scholarships, and empowering local farmers and women. The transformation of Kwahu Tafo Senior High School stands as a shining example of what’s possible when communities—local and global—work together.

Mountview Asante Prize: Nurturing the Next Generation

Asante’s legacy lives on in the arts as well. The Mountview Asante prize for acting, established after his death, is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates extraordinary talent and commitment. More than just an accolade, the prize provides financial support to help young actors take their first steps into the profession, ensuring that Asante’s spirit of excellence and perseverance continues to inspire new generations.

The Broader Canvas: Black British TV History and Ghanaian Community Education

Gyearbuor Asante’s journey is inseparable from the broader narrative of Black British TV history. Alongside peers like Norman Beaton and Carmen Munroe, he helped pave the way for greater representation and more nuanced storytelling on British screens. His work challenged stereotypes and opened doors for those who followed.

But perhaps his most enduring legacy is in Ghana, where his life and memory have fueled a revival of community spirit and investment in education. The ripple effects of his choices—both personal and professional—are still being felt in Kwahu Tafo and beyond.

Reflections: Legacy Beyond the Limelight

What strikes me most about the Gyebi Asante legacy is its quiet power. Here was a man who, by following his passion and honoring his roots, managed to spark change on two continents. He was an artist, a cultural ambassador, and—without ever taking up the stool—a catalyst for community revival.

His story reminds us that legacy isn’t just about fame or fortune. Sometimes, it’s about the lives you touch, the bridges you build, and the hope you leave behind. Asante’s journey from Accra to London and back again is a testament to the enduring impact of art, friendship, and a commitment to making the world a little better than you found it.

Looking Forward: Carrying the Torch

As new generations of actors, activists, and community leaders rise, the lessons of Gyearbuor Asante’s life feel more relevant than ever. His example challenges us to think beyond borders, to invest in education, and to honor the ties that bind us, no matter where we call home.

Whether you remember him as Matthew from Desmond’s, celebrate his contributions to Ghanaian education, or find inspiration in the ongoing work of the Friends of Tafo charity and the Mountview Asante prize, one thing is clear: the Desmond’s star Ghana impact is still shining, lighting the way for others to follow.