Teddy Osei, the legendary Ghanaian musician and saxophonist, widely recognized as one of the founding members of the Afro-rock band Osibisa, has passed away.
He died on the morning of Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in London, at the age of 88. This was confirmed by Bessa Simons, the President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), in an interview with myjoyonline.com.
Born in Kumasi in December 1937, Osei’s musical journey began early. While still a child, he was introduced to various instruments and later took up the saxophone.
While in college in the coastal city of Sekondi, he formed a band with friends, which ignited his passion for music. After completing his studies, Osei briefly worked as a building inspector before founding the band “The Comets” in Ghana.
The Comets achieved short-lived success before Osei moved to London in 1962.
In London, Osei was granted financial support by the Ghanaian government, enabling him to study at a private music and drama school.
Unfortunately, after the political regime change in Ghana in 1966, his grant was revoked, leading him to team up with other musicians who had faced similar hardships.
Together, they formed a group called Cat’s Paw, which eventually gained recognition in Switzerland.
In 1969, Osei, along with several other musicians, founded Osibisa, a band that would go on to enjoy international success, particularly in the 1970s.
While Osibisa experienced a decline in popularity in later years, the band still performs today. Osei’s musical contributions and pioneering work in Afro-rock have left a lasting legacy.