On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Teddy Osei, a founding member of the renowned Ghanaian musical group Osibisa, will be observed for one week at his family home in Chirapatre, Kumasi.
From 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., relatives, friends, and admirers of the well-known saxophonist will gather for the ritual, which is a customary Ghanaian custom that commemorates the one-week anniversary of a loved one’s death.
In the 1970s, Teddy Osei, a trailblazer in the fusion of Afrobeat, rock, and jazz, played a key role in propelling Osibisa to international prominence.
At the age of 88, he died on Tuesday morning, January 14, 2025.
Osei, who was born in Kumasi, fell in love with music early on and picked up the saxophone while trying to start a band in Sekondi with some college pals. Local success was achieved by his first group, “The Comets,” which recorded with Philips West Africa and appeared on radio shows.
With financial assistance from a Ghanaian government grant, Osei relocated to London in 1962 to continue his studies in music.
However, his funding was terminated in 1966 due to political unrest in Ghana. Osei persevered in spite of this setback and formed Osibisa in 1969 with the help of other gifted musicians, such as Sol Amarfio and his brother Mac Tontoh.
Osibisa became known as one of Africa’s most influential bands thanks to their inventive sound and captivating live performances that enthralled audiences all over the world.
The one-week observation will celebrate the life and legacy of a music icon whose work continues to inspire generations.
