Ghana and the global music fraternity are mourning the loss of Teddy Osei, the legendary saxophonist and founding member of the iconic Afro-rock band, Osibisa.
Teddy Osei passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the age of 88.
This was announced by the President of MUSIGA, Bessa Simons.
“Good morning Ghana and Osibisa fans. We didn’t hear Good news. Teddy Osei the Leader of Osibisa Band and the big brother of Mac Tonto passed on this morning Tuesday 14th January in London.
“We have lost one of the great sons of Ghana and England. May his gentle great soul rest in peace.”
Teddy’s death marks the end of an era for a musician who not only helped put Ghanaian and African music on the global stage but also played a pivotal role in shaping the Afro-rock genre, blending African rhythms with rock, jazz, and funk.
His remarkable contributions to music, spanning decades, will have an indelible mark on the world.
The saxophonist was born December 1937 in Kumasi.
As a child, he developed a fascination with musical instruments, a curiosity that would later define his life’s path. While attending college in Sekondi, Teddy began experimenting with forming a band alongside his friends.
In 1962, Teddy Osei took a bold step that would change his life forever by traveling to London, leaving behind The Comets, a band he formed after secondary.
He later secured a grant from the Ghanaian government to study at a private music and drama school for three years.
The training provided him with a solid foundation in music, but his studies were abruptly cut short in 1966 when political upheaval in Ghana, including the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah, led to the termination of his scholarship.
Despite this setback, Osei’s resolve remained strong. Teaming up with other displaced Ghanaian students, he began performing soul music across Europe, gaining popularity in Switzerland under the name Cat’s Paw. This group included his brother, Mac Tontoh, and drummer Sol Amarfio, two musicians who would later become integral to the creation of Osibisa.
Returning to the UK in search of stability, Teddy envisioned a band that would celebrate Africa’s rich musical heritage while appealing to a global audience. In 1969, that vision became a reality with the formation of Osibisa.
Osibisa, founded by Osei along with musicians from Ghana, Nigeria, Grenada, and Antigua, revolutionised the global music scene.
Their sound, a unique blend of African rhythms, Western rock, jazz, and funk, earned them widespread acclaim.
Osibisa’s vibrant performances and catchy tunes introduced audiences worldwide to the beauty and depth of African music.
Their visually striking album covers, designed by famed artist Roger Dean, and their energetic live performances made them stand out. Osibisa became synonymous with cultural pride, spreading a positive narrative about Africa at a time when stereotypes often dominated perceptions.
Although Osibisa’s popularity waned in the 1980s, the band continued to perform and inspire new generations.
