According to a publication by Ghanaweb, Teddy Osei, the renowned Ghanaian saxophonist and founding member of the legendary Afro-rock band Osibisa, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He was 88.
The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (GHAMRO), Bessa Simons, confirmed the sad news during an interview with Hitz FM, describing Osei as a trailblazer whose music bridged continents and generations.
Born in December 1937 in Kumasi, Teddy Osei’s journey into music began with humble aspirations.
He picked up the saxophone while studying in Sekondi, forming a band with his college friends. What began as a youthful passion quickly turned into a lifelong calling.
After completing his studies, Osei briefly worked as a building inspector but couldn’t resist the pull of his musical dreams.
In the early 1960s, he formed “The Comets,” a band that enjoyed moderate success in Ghana, setting the stage for what would become an extraordinary career.
A pivotal moment came in 1962 when Osei was awarded a government grant to study music and drama in London.
It was there, in the vibrant cultural melting pot of the UK, that Osei’s vision for Osibisa took shape. In 1969, alongside like-minded musicians, he founded the Afro-rock band that would put Ghana on the global music map.
Osibisa’s unique fusion of African rhythms with rock, jazz, and funk captivated audiences worldwide in the 1970s.
With hits like Sunshine Day and Welcome Home, the band became synonymous with energy, culture, and innovation, earning international acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
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