Teddy Osei, a renowned Ghanaian musician and founding member of the legendary band Osibisa, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the age of 87.
The famous musician, who gained recognition for his impeccable music sound creation skill with the saxophone, reportedly passed away in London, UK.
Bessa Simons, the president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), announced the legendary musician’s passing during an interview with Hitz FM. The cause of his death is still unknown. The late legendary musician left behind two daughters, Matilda and Shanta Osei.
Teddy Osei, born in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, in December 1937 and named after the Ashanti King Osei Tutu, delivered a passion for music during his years as a college student in Sekondi, Takoradi.
The late veteran musician began his music career and created his first band, The Comets, following a brief spell as a building inspector after college.
After three years in London as a student on a government grant to study music and drama, Teddy Osei returned to Ghana. He later formed the Osibisa music band with Sol Amarfio, his brother Mac Tontoh and other members in 1969.
Osibisa enjoyed decades of success as a group, releasing about 16 albums and dropping multiple smash hits, including Sunshine Day, which peaked at number 17 on the UK music charts, and the iconic 1971 song Woyaya. They became synonymous for their incredible exploits as Afro-Rock pioneers.
The Osibisa music band won multiple local and international awards and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) awards ceremony in London in 2010.
They also toured multiple international countries, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, and performed at a concert celebrating Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.
Despite several members like drummer and founding member Sol Amarfio and keyboard player and producer Victor Mensah’s passing in recent years and others leaving the group due to personal differences, Teddy Osei continued to record and perform music with the remaining members until his passing.
Check out the social media post below:
https://x.com/Joy997FM/status/1879146319325094319
