Ghanaian music legend and saxophonist Teddy Osei, founder of African rock band Osibisa, has died at the age of 88.
The talented drummer and singer died in London on Tuesday.
“He was an important voice in music and culture, and we will miss him, but never forget him,” the statement read.
Osei rose to recognition as the leader of Osibisa, where his boundless creativity as a multi-instrumentalist never conformed to a single musical genre.
He was instrumental in shaping the unique sound of the band, which captivated the world with its warm, infectious songs that transcended cultural and musical boundaries.
The Musicians Union of Ghana (Musiga) shared a heartfelt tribute.
“Teddy Osei was not only a pioneer in the world of music, but also a cultural ambassador who helped bridge the gap between African rhythms and global sounds,” Musiga President Besa Simons said.
Teddy Osei was born on December 1, 1937 in Kumasi, Ghana. He was introduced to music by his father, who played in prominent school bands.
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Osei was known for his passion for the saxophone, a love he developed while studying in the western town of Sekondi.
Ossie moved to London in the early 1960s on a government scholarship to study music and drama.
During this time, Osei formed a band called Cat's Claw, which blended the vibrant rhythms of highlife – a popular genre in West Africa – with the energetic styles of rock and soul.
In 1969, Osei co-founded the pioneering Afro-rock group Osipisa alongside fellow Ghanaian musicians Sol Amarfio and Mac Tonto.
The band's name, Osibisa, comes from a word in the Fanti language, meaning “high life”.
Osibisa's fusion of African sounds 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 is undeniable.
His critical contributions to the group led to UK hits with singles such as Sunshine Day and Dance the Body Music.
Their live shows have left audiences worldwide in awe, leading to extensive tours across Europe, Asia and Africa.
One of their headline performances was at Zimbabwe's independence celebrations in 1980, where Bob Marley and the Wailers also performed.
Osei's dedication to promoting African music on the world stage has left an indelible mark on the international music industry.
He said in 2021 The Guardian He ventured into music because he “wanted to make a difference in the African music scene.”
Osei said that without Osibisa, there would have been no Fela Kuti, widely considered the godfather of Afrobeat.
His contributions served as a cultural bridge connecting diverse audiences through the universal language of music.
“Osibisa gave Africans confidence in their own music,” Osei once said, reflecting on what he considered his greatest achievement.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his musical innovations and the paths he forged for African artists will live on, and will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.
