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Osei moved to London in the early 1960s on a government scholarship to study music and drama.
Eventually, Osei formed a band called Cat’s Paw, which combined the lively rhythms of highlife – a popular West African genre – with energetic rock and soul styles.
In 1969, Osei co-founded the pioneering Afro-Rock group Osibisa together with fellow Ghanaian musicians Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh.
The name of our band, Osibisa, comes from a word in the Fante language, which means “highlife”.
Osibisa’s fusion of an Afrocentric sound with rock, soul, jazz, and funk put it on the global music map as one of the first African bands to gain international recognition.
Osei’s contribution to Osibisa’s success cannot be denied.
His important input to the group led to chart success in the UK with singles such as Sunshine Day and Dance the Body Music.
Their live performances have wowed audiences around the world, leading to extensive tours in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
One of their main performances was at Zimbabwe’s independence celebration in 1980, where Bob Marley and the Wailers also performed.
Osei’s dedication to promoting African music on the global stage has left an indelible mark on the international music industry.
In 2021, he told The Guardian, In addition he ventured into music because he “wanted to make a difference with the African music scene.”
Without Osibisa, Osei said, there would be no Fela Kuti, who is widely regarded as the godfather of Afrobeat.
His contribution served as a cultural bridge that connects various audiences through the universal language of music.
“Osibisa gave Africans confidence in their own music,” says Osei, reflecting on what he considers his greatest achievement.
The former marks the end of an era, but his musical innovation and the path he forged for African artists will endure, continuing to inspire and resonate with generations to come.
