Entertainment
Teddy Osei of Osibisa fame dead
Veteran Ghanaian Musician, Teddy Osei of Osibisa fame is reported dead
Ghanaian musician and saxophonist Teddy Osei, a founding member of the Afro-rock band Osibisa, has died at 88 in London on January 14, 2025.
Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), who at a point played alongside the band disclosed that the legendary musician breathed his last on Tuesday morning, January 14, 2025.
Born in December 1937 in Kumasi, Osei was pivotal in the band’s formation in 1969 after studying music in London. His impact on music is celebrated.
He is one of the founding members of this Afro-Caribbean band that rocked the world with their amazing quality.
Through their ingenuity, they projected Ghana’s name through music and their awe-inspiring performances across the world.
In 1969, he founded Osibisa along with several other musicians. The band remained popular through the 1970s, before experiencing a decline, although it continues to perform today.
While at college, he attempted to put together a band along with some of his friends. According to Osei, he only began to play the saxophone because the person who had volunteered for that instrument did not attend the practices. He continued to teach himself the saxophone, listening to records of jazz musicians and playing along with the music.
After beginning work as an inspector, he created a semi-professional band along with his brother and some friends.
The band was known as the Comets, and became successful in Ghana, recording with Philips West Africa and playing for a radio show. Their music was inspired by ‘Highlife’, a genre derived from a fusion of European and African influences.
In 1962 Osei travelled to London, leaving the Comets behind. Having spent his money on travel, he lived with some friends in London, and worked as a dish-washer for a year.
He then applied for and received a grant from the Ghanaian government, which allowed him to attend a private music and drama school for three years.
However, his grant was terminated after Nkrumah was deposed in 1966. Osei teamed up with several other students who had also lost their positions and began to play soul music at various venues across Europe.
The group acquired a following in Switzerland, and named themselves Cat’s Paw. At this stage its members included Sol Amarfio and Osei’s brother Mac Tontoh, both future members of Osibisa. However, the group eventually returned to the UK, looking for a more permanent financial situation.
Renowned Ghanaian highlife musician, Pozo Hayes, has received an electric mobility scooter from the Nat Arthur Foundation –Tower of Hope to enhance his mobility, independence and overall well-being.
The presentation, which brought together family members, friends and well-wishers, showed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and improving their quality of life.
The Spokesperson for the Foundation, Ms Philomina Kuntum Blankson, said the donation was part of the Foundation’s mission of restoring hope and transforming lives through acts of compassion and community support.
According to her, the Foundation recognised the challenges faced by some vulnerable persons and remained committed to providing practical assistance to improve their daily lives and preserve their dignity.
Ms Blankson said the foundation has over the years undertaken various charitable interventions aimed at improving lives through healthcare support, community development projects and humanitarian assistance.
“The donation to Pozo Hayes forms part of its broader efforts to promote dignity, inclusion and social support for persons facing mobility and other life challenges,” she added.
Receiving the scooter, Pozo Hayes expressed gratitude to the Nat Arthur Foundation and all those who contributed towards the initiative.
He described the gesture as life-changing, saying the mobility scooter would greatly improve his movement and enable him to carry out his daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
The veteran musician also commended the Foundation for its kindness and concern for the welfare of vulnerable members of society.
Dignitaries who attended the event were Prophet King Solomon, Nana Offeh Sebede3 Adeamuoduro Trimud3 Kaakyire Kwame Appiah I, Bosomtwe Asaman Manhene Benkumhene/Detiesohene of Lake Bosomtwe, associates of the musician.
Gospel minister, Israel Ofori is set to host the second edition of his annual worship gathering, ‘At His Feet -A Service of Gratitude,’ today at the Ultimate Charismatic Centre, Ohemaa Plaza, East Legon.
The event is expected to attract hundreds of worshippers, gospel music enthusiasts and members of the Christian community for an evening dedicated to thanksgiving, praise and spiritual renewal.
Building on the success of the maiden edition, the event seeks to deepen the culture of gratitude among believers while creating an atmosphere for heartfelt worship and reflection on God’s goodness and faithfulness.
The theme: ‘At His Feet,’ symbolises humility, surrender and devotion to God, encouraging participants to come before Him with thanksgiving and reverence.
Israel Ofori, whose ministry has touched many lives through worship and inspirational music, is expected to lead patrons through an uplifting experience aimed at strengthening faith and fostering a closer relationship with God.
Speaking with The Spectator in Accra on Sunday, Israel said the event will feature powerful worship sessions, prayer, thanksgiving and moments of spiritual impartation.
He said the second edition was expected to be bigger and more impactful, bringing together church leaders, gospel ministers, worship teams and Christians from various denominations.
Israel noted that the programme was not only a celebration of God’s blessings but also an opportunity for believers to pause and acknowledge His hand in their lives amid the challenges and uncertainties of the times.
He called on Christians and non- Christians to come and worship to express their gratitude to God for His grace, protection and favour.
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