Teddy Osei, the celebrated Ghanaian musician and saxophonist, and one of the founding members of the iconic Afro-rock band Osibisa, has passed away at the age of 88. The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, confirmed the news, stating that the legendary artist died on the morning of Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in London.
Born in Kumasi in December 1937, Teddy Osei’s contributions to global music earned him widespread recognition as a pioneer of Afro-rock. He is best known as the leader of Osibisa, a band he founded in 1969, which brought the vibrant sounds of African and Caribbean music to international audiences, particularly in the 1970s.
Teddy Osei discovered his passion for music as a child growing up in Kumasi. He was introduced to musical instruments early on and later taught himself to play the saxophone. His journey as a musician began when he attempted to form a band with friends during his college years in Sekondi, a coastal city in Ghana. Osei humorously recalled picking up the saxophone because the designated saxophonist stopped attending rehearsals. Inspired by jazz, he taught himself by listening to records and playing along to the music.
After completing college, Osei briefly worked as a building inspector. However, his passion for music led him to form a semi-professional band called “The Comets” with his brother and friends. The Comets gained significant local success, recording music with Philips West Africa and performing on radio. The band’s sound was rooted in Highlife, a genre that blended African rhythms with European influences.
In 1962, Teddy Osei traveled to London to pursue his musical dreams, leaving The Comets behind. Using his savings for travel, he initially struggled financially, working as a dishwasher and living with friends. His fortunes changed when he received a grant from the Ghanaian government to study music and drama at a private institution for three years.
However, political upheaval in Ghana following the overthrow of President Kwame Nkrumah in 1966 resulted in the termination of his grant. Undeterred, Osei continued his musical journey, teaming up with other displaced students to perform soul music across Europe. This group, which included his brother Mac Tontoh and Sol Amarfio, gained a following in Switzerland under the name “Cat’s Paw.”
In 1969, Osei formed Osibisa, drawing inspiration from African musical traditions and blending them with Western rock and jazz influences.