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Ghanaian musician and saxophonist Teddy Osei, who founded the Afro-rock group Osibisa, has died aged 88.
The talented drummer and singer died in London on Tuesday.
He was “an important voice in music and culture, and will be missed, but not forgotten,” the statement read.
Osei rose to acclaim as the leader of Osibisa, while his limitless skills as a multi-instrumentalist were unmatched by any genre.
He was instrumental in creating the group’s unique sound, which captivated the world with its warm, infectious music that crossed cultural and musical boundaries.
The Musicians Union of Ghana (Musiga) expressed their heartfelt appreciation.
“Teddy Osei was not only a pioneer in the world of music but also a cultural ambassador who helped to bridge the gap between African music and world music,” said Musiga President Bessa Simons.
Born on December 1, 1937, in Kumasi, Ghana, Teddy Osei was introduced to music by his father, who played in popular school bands.
A multi-instrumentalist, Osei was known for his passion for the saxophone, a love he developed while studying in the western town of Sekondi.
Osei moved to London in the early 1960s on a government scholarship to study music and drama.
During this time, Osei formed a group called Cat’s Paw, which mixed the sound of highlife – a popular West African genre – with strong rock and soul styles.
In 1969, Osei co-founded the Afro-Rock band Osibisa with fellow Ghanaian musicians Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh.
The group’s name, Osibisa, comes from a word in the Fante language, meaning “highlife”.
Osibisa’s fusion of Afrocentric music with rock, soul, jazz, and funk put them on the world music map as one of the first African bands to gain international recognition.
Osei’s contribution to Osibisa’s success cannot be denied.
His contributions to the group led to success in the UK with hits such as Sunlight Day and Dance the Body Music.
Their shows attracted audiences around the world, leading to extensive tours in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
One of their highlights was at Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in 1980, where Bob Marley and the Wailers also performed.
Osei’s commitment to promoting African music worldwide has left an indelible mark on the music industry worldwide.
In 2021, he said The Guardian he got into music because he “wanted to change African music.”
Without Osibisa, Osei said, it would not be Fela Kuti, who is known as the godfather of Afrobeat.
His contributions served as a cultural bridge connecting different people through the universal language of music.
“Osibisa gave Africans confidence in their music,” Osei said, reflecting on what he considered his greatest achievement.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his musical talent and the techniques he created for African artists will endure, continuing to inspire and connect with future generations.
