Teddy Osei

BIO

Francis Osei (1935–2025), professionally known as Teddy Osei, was a pioneering Ghanaian saxophonist, drummer, vocalist, and bandleader, best known as the founder of the Afro-pop group Osibisa. Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Osei was introduced to music in childhood through church bands and traditional instruments, developing an early sensitivity to both African rhythm and Western harmony.

After forming the highlife-inspired band The Comets in Ghana, Osei relocated to London in 1962, where he studied music and drama before the political changes in Ghana cut short his scholarship. In exile, he collaborated with other African musicians in Europe, eventually forming Osibisa in 1969 with Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh. The group fused African percussion, highlife, jazz, funk, and rock, creating a vibrant sound that introduced African musical identity into global popular culture.

Signed to MCA Records and produced by Tony Visconti, Osibisa became internationally successful in the 1970s, touring across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and performing at historic events such as Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations. Under Osei’s leadership, Osibisa reframed African music as energetic, modern, and cosmopolitan, influencing generations of Afro-pop and world music artists.

Until his passing in 2025, Teddy Osei remained a symbol of cultural continuity and innovation, using music to assert Africa’s presence within global sound histories.