Legend of The Week – Teddy Osei

The current global proliferation of African rhythms brings pride and joy to many Africans. However, the admiration and commendation did not happen overnight.

It is the result of decades of consistency in availing the true identity of Africa’s enchanting sounds to the world.

Hence, we must always remember to pay homage to the torchbearers who paved the way for what we enjoy today. Undoubtedly, one such name is Teddy Osei.

Born in the Asante capital of Kumasi in the mid-1930s. There are accounts that his actual date of birth was unknown due to a lack of proper record-keeping. However, an estimation by his mother settled on 1935 December 17th.

He was named Francis Osei, with his surname from the first Asantehene, Nana Osei Tutu. At the time of writing this, I hadn’t unravelled how he became known as Teddy.

His father was an amateur horn player, introducing him to traditional music at a tender age. Basic education assisted in providing a solid foundation for his musical interest.

Occasional visits to Manhyia Palace also helped in giving him diverse perspectives from visiting musicians.

There are a number of similar incidents where an unexpected vacancy becomes an opportunity. That was the turning point for him.

Whilst at college, the designated saxophone player was absent during a rehearsal. Teddy was asked to replace him, and the rest is history.

With a peaking interest in the saxophone, Teddy intentionally studied the works of talented jazz musicians. After his college education in Sekondi, having studied as a draughtsman, he began working as a building inspector in Kumasi.

During his tertiary education, he aligned with the preaching of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for Ghana’s independence.

It was not long before his love for music came calling professionally. Together with his playmate, Sol Amarfio and his younger brother Mac Tontoh, they formed the band ‘Comets’.

In the 1960s, the Philips Holland record label released an extended play (EP) titled ‘Afro Rhythm Parade Vol. 4 featuring Ghana’s Teddy Osei and his Comets’.

The EP had the following tracks: ‘ Monka’, ‘Owu Asɛi Me Fie’, ‘Pete Pete’, and ‘Dabi Wobɛkae me’.

In 1962, he relocated to London, England. Whilst working menial jobs to make ends meet, he applied for a Government of Ghana scholarship to study music and drama for three years. It was granted; however, the overthrow of Nkrumah in 1966 ended his hopes of educational pursuit. Without reluctance, he hopped onto the bustling music scene in London.

He convinced Mac and Sol to join him in England, and they did. They took off performing from London to Switzerland and around Europe under the name ‘Cat’s Paw’.

They settled in London for economic stability, and the band Osibisa was formed in 1969. It is one of the most revered and influential musical groups to emerge from Ghana onto the global scene. The initial members included his brother, Mac Tontoh, Sol Amarfio, Wendell Richardson, Lasisi Amao, Roger Bedeau (Spartacus R) and Robert Bailey.

In the early 1970s, they toured in the United States of America and shared the same stage with some of America’s biggest acts such as Little Richard, Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye. Teddy, leading the magnificent band, became a globetrotter touring the world and performing to vast audiences in Japan, Australasia, India, and many countries in Africa.

They performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in 1980. Teddy Osei informed ‘The Guardian’ in an interview that the reason he ventured into music was “… to make a difference to the African music scene.”

He further stated, “Without Osibisa, there would have been no Fela Kuti, widely regarded as the godfather of Afrobeat.” “Osibisa gave Africans confidence in their music”. He affirmed.

He was a fantastic saxophonist, flautist and hands-on with the drums. His vocal range was commanding, steering so many of their hit records such as ‘Wͻyaya’, ‘Welcome Home’, ‘Sunshine Day’, ‘Dance the Body Music’, ‘Coffee Song’, ‘Celebration’, ‘Fire’, amongst a host of other global hits.

Teddy and the iconic Osibisa band released over ten studio albums, including Osibisa (1971), Wͻyaya (1971), Heads (1972), Happy Children (1973), Osibirock (1974), Welcome Home (1975), Ojah Awake (1976), Mystic Energy (1979), Celebration (1980), African Flight (1981), Movements (1989), Monsͻre (1995), Osee Yee (2009) amongst others.

He received numerous accolades. In 2018, at the All-Africa Music Award (AFRIMA), he received a special recognition award. He was honoured at the Grow, Unite, Build, Africa (GUBA) Awards, 2010 with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.

Teddy Osei continued to perform even after he had been diagnosed with a stroke in 2010. His health declined gradually, and he retired from professional work five years before his transition.

On the 14th January, 2025, he kicked the bucket in London.

He will be remembered for being a towering figure and pioneer of African musical rhythms across the world. He was married with three daughters.