Ghanaian music icon and saxophonist Teddy Osei, best known for founding the Afro-rock band Osibisa, has passed away at the age of 88.
The talented drummer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist died in London on Tuesday, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of music and culture.
His family expressed that he was “an important voice in music and culture, and he will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Osei gained global acclaim as the leader of Osibisa, a band that blended African rhythms with rock, jazz, and funk to create a unique sound that resonated worldwide.
His creativity and genre-defying talent shaped the band’s identity, making Osibisa one of the first African bands to gain international recognition.
The Musicians Union of Ghana (Musiga) paid tribute to Osei, describing him as a cultural ambassador who helped bridge the gap between African music and global sounds.
Musiga President Bessa Simons highlighted Osei’s pioneering influence in music.
Born in Kumasi, Ghana, on December 1, 1937, Osei was introduced to music by his father, who played in school bands.
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Osei developed a passion for the saxophone while studying in Sekondi.
In the early 1960s, he moved to London on a government scholarship to study music and drama, where he formed a band called Cat’s Paw that merged highlife rhythms with rock and soul.
In 1969, Osei co-founded Osibisa with fellow Ghanaian musicians Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh. The band’s name, derived from the Fante word for “highlife,” became synonymous with Afro-Rock, blending African influences with global genres.
Osibisa achieved significant success with hits like Sunshine Day and Dance the Body Music, earning recognition in the UK and beyond.
Osei’s contributions were instrumental in Osibisa’s rise, and the band’s live performances captivated audiences around the world.
Notably, they performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in 1980 alongside Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Osei remained dedicated to promoting African music globally, often stating that he entered music to make a difference in the African music scene.
He once reflected, “Without Osibisa, there would have been no Fela Kuti,” underscoring the profound impact his band had on the evolution of Afrobeat.
Osei’s legacy as a cultural bridge and advocate for African music will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and audiences alike.
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