The music world is mourning the loss of Teddy Osei, the talented saxophonist and founding member of the iconic Afro-Rock band, Osibisa.
Teddy Osei passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in London, UK.
Tributes have been pouring in, describing him as a rare talent whose impact on African and world music is immeasurable.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), praised Teddy Osei’s vision in creating the Osibisa band in 1969.
He described Teddy as a great visionary and a major contributor to Osibisa’s hit songs.
“With a career spanning over five decades, Teddy Osei left an indelible mark on the music industry. As a lead member of Osibisa, he helped shape the band’s unique sound, which blended traditional African rhythms with modern jazz, rock, and funk influences, which we call the criss-cross rhythms.
“Also, he influenced many young musicians with his style of playing the horns, and even though his forte was the sax and flute, he also played the fontonfrom very well. Today, there’s no music in Ghana that doesn’t have Osibisa’s influence. Thanks to Teddy Osei’s unmatched skill as the arranger of Osibisa’s songs,” he said.
Bessa Simons also expressed gratitude that even in his old age, Teddy Osei continued to travel to Ghana to mentor musicians until he suffered a stroke about three years ago.
“Even though he resided in the UK, he came to Ghana every year until about three years ago when he wasn’t too healthy to do so. After years of Osibisa and with the demise of some of its key members, including his younger brother, Mac Tontoh, in 2010, he recruited new musicians like myself to perform at Osibisa gigs,” he stated.
Sound engineer and producer, Fred Kyei Mensah, popularly known as Fredyyma, also shared his memories of Teddy Osei.
He said he developed a close relationship with Teddy in 2010 as the chief sound engineer at +233 Jazz and Grill Bar in Accra when Osibisa performed there.
He recalled how the late Sol Amarfio and Teddy Osei set up the stage for the group and Teddy’s impressive handling of the saxophone and flute that night.
“It was in 2010, and that night, Osibisa featured Teddy Osei, Wendell Richardson, Mac Tontoh, Kofi Ayivor, Sol Amarfio, Kwame Yeboah, and other great musicians. Teddy made playing the wind instrument a delight to watch and listen,” he said.
Renowned fashion icon and entrepreneur, Kofi Okyere Darko, popularly known as KOD, reminisced about his first encounter with Uncle Teddy in London at the turn of the millennium, where they bonded over their shared love for music and discussed the challenges faced by artists.
KOD recalled how Uncle Teddy encouraged him to return to Ghana to contribute more meaningfully to his homeland.
Inspired by these words, KOD said he moved back to Ghana in 2002.
KOD acknowledged the profound impact of Teddy Osei and Osibisa’s music, which continues to radiate joy and celebration.
“May Uncle Teddy Osei rest peacefully, and may the legacy of Osibisa’s criss-cross rhythms that radiate joy and celebration continue to inspire the world for generations to come,” KOD said.
Teddy Osei’s passing marks the end of an era for Osibisa, but his contributions to music and culture will forever be remembered.
His death marks the passing of five original members of the band, which was formed in 1969.
The other original members who have passed away include Mac Tontoh (trumpet, horns, percussion), Sol Amarfio (drums, percussion), Spartacus R. (bass, percussion, vocals), and Abdul Lasisi Amao (flute, vocals, percussion).
The surviving members are Wendell Richardson (guitars, lead vocals, percussion) and Robert Bailey (keyboards, percussion).
Teddy Osei’s passing has deeply affected industry players, especially those who worked closely with him.
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