Founding Member of Osibisa, Teddy Osei, Dies at 88
The legendary Ghanaian musician, known for blending Afrobeat, highlife, and rock, leaves behind a lasting global musical legacy
- Teddy Osei co-founded the influential band Osibisa in 1969
- Born in Kumasi in 1937, he was a self-taught saxophonist who shaped Ghana’s music scene
- Osei’s contributions earned him recognition as one of Ghana’s greatest musical icons
Celebrated Ghanaian musician Teddy Osei, a founding member of the iconic band Osibisa, has passed away at the age of 88.
His death occurred on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in London.
Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), confirmed the sad news, describing the loss as the passing of one of Ghana’s most significant musical icons.
Teddy Osei, who co-founded Osibisa in 1969, was known for pioneering a unique fusion of Afrobeat, highlife, and rock, which earned global recognition.
Born in Kumasi in December 1937, Osei’s musical journey began in his youth.
Initially introduced to musical instruments, his passion led him to pick up the saxophone during his college years in Sekondi, after the original saxophonist missed several practice sessions.
Self-taught by playing along with jazz records, Osei perfected his skills and later formed his first band, The Comets.
In 1962, he moved to London on a government grant to study music and drama, but political upheavals in Ghana cut his studies short after three years.
