Ghana is mourning the loss of Francis “Teddy” Osei, the legendary founder and leader of the Afro-rock band Osibisa, who passed away recently. In honor of his monumental contribution to music and African culture, the Ghanaian government has announced that Teddy Osei will be given a full state funeral, a recognition reserved for only the most revered figures in the nation’s history.
On Friday, April 4, the late musical icon will be laid in state at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Ghanaians from all walks of life—fans, musicians, and dignitaries alike—are invited to pay their final respects.
At 2:00 PM, his body will be transported from Accra to Kumasi, his hometown, where final funeral rites will be conducted on Saturday, April 5. Along the route from Accra to Kumasi, citizens are encouraged to line the streets, sing Osibisa’s iconic anthem “Woyaya,” and celebrate Teddy’s life with music and joy.
Radio and TV stations across the country are being asked to participate in this national farewell by playing Osibisa’s music and announcing the hearse’s progress through towns.
Born in Kumasi on December 1, 1937, Teddy Osei discovered his love for music at an early age. A scholarship from President Kwame Nkrumah took him to London, where he refined his musical talent and formed his early band Cat’s Paw, which fused highlife with rock and soul.
In 1969, Osei co-founded Osibisa with fellow Ghanaian musicians Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh. The band revolutionized music with their vibrant blend of African rhythms, rock, funk, jazz, and Latin beats, giving birth to what is now widely recognized as Afro-rock.
Osibisa’s debut in 1971 launched them onto the international stage, where they became cultural ambassadors for Africa. With global hits like “Music for Gong Gong” and “Sunshine Day,” and album artwork by Roger Dean, Osibisa not only popularized African music but also influenced the development of disco and electronic dance music.
Teddy’s vision led the group to stages across the world and helped pave the way for future African artists. His work shaped how African culture was perceived and appreciated globally.
Teddy Osei’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era in African music, but his spirit will continue to resonate through the rhythms of Osibisa and beyond.
As Ghana says farewell, let us remember that through his music and message, “Woyaya”—We Are Going, but the legacy of Teddy Osei will live on forever.
