Legendary Ghanaian musician Teddy Osei, co-founder of the iconic band Osibisa, has passed away at the age of 88. The sad event occurred on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in London.
Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), confirmed the news to Citi News, describing Osei’s passing as the loss of one of Ghana’s greatest musical icons.
Born in December 1937 in Kumasi, Teddy Osei became a pioneer in blending Afrobeat, highlife, and rock to create a globally celebrated sound. His musical journey began in his youth, inspired by his exposure to musical instruments and a growing passion for performance.
During his college years in Sekondi, he picked up the saxophone when the original player missed practice, marking the start of his self-taught artistry. He mastered the instrument by playing along to jazz records, a dedication that defined his craft.
After college, Osei worked briefly as a building inspector before forming his first band, The Comets, which enjoyed moderate success. In 1962, a government scholarship allowed him to travel to London to study music and drama. However, political shifts in Ghana curtailed his studies after three years.
Teddy Osei’s legacy endures through his profound contributions to global music and his role in placing Ghanaian music on the international stage.
