Stories and facts

Teddy Osei was a renowned Ghanaian musician who passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born in Kumasi on December 1, 1937, Osei was a talented saxophonist, drummer, and vocalist, best known as the leader of the Afro-pop band Osibisa, which he founded in 1969.

His musical journey began at a young age, when he was introduced to musical instruments by his school teacher and his father, an amateur musician who played the horn in the local church band.

Teddy's passion for music grew as he explored traditional instruments and folk songs from visiting musicians at the Ashanti palace.

After completing his education at a Catholic mission school and excelling as an athlete, Osei moved to Sekondi to study draftsmanship.

It was here that he became involved in the vibrant cultural scene, influenced by the political movement led by Kwame Nkrumah and the fight against British colonialism.

After a brief stint as a building inspector in Kumasi, Osei made the bold decision to pursue a career in music. He formed a semi-professional band with his brother and friends, known as the "Comets," which achieved moderate success in Ghana.

In 1962, Osei left for London, where he worked as a dishwasher while seeking to further his musical ambitions. After receiving a grant from the Ghanaian government, he attended a private music and drama school.

However, his studies were interrupted by a regime change in Ghana, and he was forced to leave. Undeterred, Osei joined a group of fellow students and began playing soul music across Europe under the name "Cat's Paw."

The band gained popularity, especially in Switzerland, and featured future Osibisa members Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh.

In 1969, Osei, Amarfio, and Tontoh formed Osibisa, a band that blended Afrobeat, highlife, and psychedelic rock. The name "Osibisa" was inspired by "osibisaaba," a fusion of palm-wine music and Fante fisherman’s music.

The band’s early days were marked by uncertainty, playing in psychedelic venues around London and struggling to find financial support.

Nevertheless, Osibisa quickly became a sensation, reaching the British top-ten and earning international fame with successful tours across India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several African nations.

Despite their success, by the early 1980s, Osibisa began to experience a decline in popularity and internal conflicts, leading to several departures from the band.

However, Osei continued to perform, and Osibisa remains active today. Osei’s contributions to the music world, particularly his role in popularizing Afro-pop and blending African sounds with Western influences, have had a lasting impact on the music industry.

His legacy as a pioneering musician and leader of one of Africa's most influential bands endures.