The casket of the remains of Teddy Osei being carried away
Legendary Teddy Osei, famed for his pioneering role in the Afro-pop band Osibisa, was laid to rest on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Kumasi. Following a body viewing and final funeral rites held at his family residence in Chiriapatre, a burial mass took place at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica near Fante Newtown, where family, friends, and fans gathered to celebrate his extraordinary life.
Born Francis Kwabena Osei on December 17, 1935, Teddy Osei became a celebrated Ghanaian musician known for his talents as a saxophonist, drummer, and vocalist. As the founder and leader of Osibisa—an iconic band formed in 1969—Osei was instrumental in popularising Afro-pop worldwide. His musical legacy includes timeless hits such as “Woyaya” (1971), with its resonant refrain “We are going… Heaven knows where we’re going… We know we will,” along with other classics like “Sunshine Day” and “Dance the Body Music.”
Survived by his three daughters—Matilda, Agnes, and Shanta—as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Teddy Osei leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations.