Teddy Osei: Founder of Osibisa, honoured with State Funeral

Ghana mourns the passing of one of its greatest musical icons, Francis Teddy Osei, founder and leader of the legendary Afro-rock band Osibisa. In recognition of his immense contributions to music and culture, Teddy Oseiwill be honored with a full state funeral.

Funeral Arrangements

The program is scheduled as follows:

Ghanaians are encouraged to line the route from Accra to Kumasi and honor Teddy Osei by singing Osibisa’s classic anthem “Woyaya” as the hearse passes through major towns.

Radio and television stations are invited to participate by announcing arrival points along the route and playing Osibisa’s music throughout the day. Let us unite in giving this international superstar a rousing send-off befitting his legacy.

About Teddy Osei:

Born on December 1, 1937, in Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, Teddy Osei grew up surrounded by music, inspired by his father’s involvement in school bands. He developed a passion for the saxophone while studying in Sekondi, a skill that would later define his illustrious career.

In the early 1960s, Osei received a government scholarship from Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to study music and drama in London. While there, he formed his first band, Cat’s Paw, blending highlife—a popular West African genre—with rock and soul influences. This experimentation laid the foundation for what would become Osibisa.

In 1969, Teddy Osei co-founded Osibisa with fellow Ghanaian musicians Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh. The band’s name derives from the Fante word meaning “criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness,” reflecting their mission to bridge African musical traditions with global genres.

Osibisa: A Legacy of Global Impact

Osibisa burst onto the international music scene in 1971 with their vibrant Afro-fusion sound that combined African rhythms with jazz, rock, funk, Latin, and Caribbean influences. Their groundbreaking style played a pivotal role in introducing African music to global audiences during an era dominated by Western genres.

The band’s energetic performances and iconic album covers—designed by Roger Dean—became synonymous with their innovative approach to music4. Hits like “Music for Gong Gong” and “Sunshine Day” captivated audiences worldwide and cemented their status as pioneers of world music.

Osibisa’s influence extended beyond their own success; they paved the way for artists like Bob Marley and contributed to the emergence of African music on global stages during the 1980s. Their use of poly-rhythms even influenced later genres such as disco and deep house music.

Teddy Osei’s leadership was instrumental in shaping Osibisa’s unique sound and vision. His creativity and dedication helped establish the band as cultural ambassadors for Africa. Even after five decades of global success—including performances at prestigious festivals like WOMAD—their legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

A Tribute to an Icon:

Teddy Osei was more than a musician; he was a visionary who used his talent to bridge cultures and bring joy to audiences across continents. His passing marks the end of an era but leaves behind a timeless legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of fans and musicians alike.

Let us come together as a nation to celebrate this extraordinary life and bid farewell to a true icon who showed us that indeed “Woyaya”—We Are Going.

(Source: Ahuma Bosco Ocansey)