The name ‘OSIBISA’ described by the band members as meaning “criss cross rhythms that explode with happiness” but it actually comes from “osibisaba” the Fante word for highlife.
The band was formed in England (London) on 13th of January 1969. The group was formed by three Ghanaian and three Caribbean namely, Teddy Osei(Ghanaian), Sol Amarfio (Ghanaian), Mac Tontoh, Teddy’s brother (Ghanaian), Spartacus R (Grenadian), Robert Bailey (Trinidadian) and Wendell Richardson from (Antigua and Barbuda) who was the lead vocalist and lead quitar.
Teddy Osei and Sol Amarfo who were seasoned members of the Accra Highlife scene before they moved to london played in ‘Star Gazers’, a top Ghanaian Highlife band back in the days before setting up their own band called ‘The Comets’ and attained a huge hit ‘Pete Pete’ which was very large in West Africa 1958.
Before that, Teddy Osei was given a scholarship to london to study music in 1962. In 1964, he formed Cat’s Paw an early blueprint if Osibisa that blended highlife, rock and soul music together. In 1969, Teddy felt the need for more accomplished African musicians within the line-up, he then persuaded Tontoh( his brother) and Amarfio to join him in London and Osibisa was born.
Osibisa in the 90’s proved to be an immediate success across the world, with the single ‘Music for Gong Gong’ a significant hit in 1970. Three other singles later made the British Top 10 which were ‘Sunshine Day’, ‘Dance the Body Music’ and ‘Coffee Song’.
 Osibisa’s debut album, Woyaya reached number 11 in the UK and Art Garfunkel later covered its title track.
in the 80’s, the group eventually faded out for several reason leading to the group’s break up. They occasionally staged reunion concerts but was without success. Sequel Records reissued much of their past reords in 1999 and today their music is still enjoyed by both the old and young.
Teddy, founder of Osibisa performing with singer Wiyala;
Over the years, Osibisa has released several classic albums such as;
 Osibisa –
 – Woyaya –
 – Heads –
– Superfly
 – Happy Children
 – Osibirock
 – Welcome Home
 – Ojah Awake
 – Mystic Energy
 – Celebration
 – African Flight
and many more….
let’s celebrate Our legends whiles alive.
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