The burial mass for renowned Ghanaian musician and saxophonist Teddy Osei, a founding member of the legendary Afro-rock band Osibisa, will take place on Saturday, April 5, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman Hill, Kumasi, at 9:00 AM.
Before the service, his body will be laid in state at his family house in Chirapatre, Kumasi, at 8:00 AM. Following the burial mass, interment will be held at the Chirapatre Royal Cemetery on the same day.
A thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Chirapatre, with final funeral rites to follow at the family house from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Teddy Osei, a distinguished music icon, passed away at the age of 88 on the morning of January 14, 2025.
Born in Kumasi, Osei developed an interest in musical instruments from a young age. While in Sekondi, he began playing the saxophone and attempted to form a band with his college friends.
After completing his studies, he worked briefly as a building inspector before forming the band “The Comets,” which gained some popularity. In 1962, he moved to London after receiving a Ghanaian government grant to study at a private music and drama school for three years. However, a regime change in Ghana forced him to leave.
In 1969, Osei co-founded Osibisa, a band that gained international recognition throughout the 1970s. Though its popularity declined in later years, the group continues to perform today.