Teddy Osei, the renowned Ghanaian musician and saxophonist who founded the legendary Afro-rock band Osibisa, has passed away at the age of 88 in London. His death occurred on Tuesday, leaving a void in the world of music. Osei was hailed as "an important voice in music and culture" in a statement released after his passing. As the leader of Osibisa, Osei's boundless creativity and multi-instrumental talents shaped the band's unique sound, creating music that resonated across cultural divides.
The Musicians Union of Ghana (Musiga) paid tribute to Osei, highlighting his role as a cultural ambassador who fused African rhythms with global sounds. Born on December 1, 1937, in Kumasi, Ghana, Osei discovered his love for music through his father's involvement in school bands. His talent was evident early on, particularly with the saxophone, and after receiving a government scholarship, he relocated to London in the early 1960s to pursue music studies.
Upon settling in London, Osei formed a band named Cat's Paw, blending West African highlife with rock and soul. In 1969, alongside fellow musicians Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh, he co-founded Osibisa. The band's name originates from the Fante language, translating to "highlife." Combining Afrocentric melodies with rock, jazz, and funk, Osibisa became one of the first African bands to achieve international acclaim.
Osei's influence was pivotal to the band's success, leading to hit singles like "Sunshine Day" and "Dance the Body Music," and captivating audiences worldwide during their extensive tours. Notably, Osibisa performed at Zimbabwe's independence celebrations in 1980, alongside legends like Bob Marley.
Osei was dedicated to elevating African music on the world stage. In a 2021 interview, he expressed his desire to influence the African music scene significantly, stating that without Osibisa, there might have been no Fela Kuti—an iconic figure in the Afrobeat genre. Osei once remarked that Osibisa instilled confidence in African musicians, signifying the importance of his contributions to the industry.
As we remember Teddy Osei, it is clear that his musical innovations and the cultural connections he fostered will continue to inspire future generations.
