Ghana has laid to rest one of its most revered musical legends, Francis Kwabena “Teddy” Osei, founder and leader of the internationally acclaimed Afro-rock band Osibisa.
The final funeral rites and burial took place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at his family residence in Chiriapatre, Kumasi, with a solemn mass held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica near Fante Newtown.
Teddy Osei, born on December 17, 1935, passed away after decades of trailblazing musical success that brought African rhythms to global stages.
The funeral was attended by family, friends, fellow musicians, cultural stakeholders, and admirers who came to celebrate a man whose saxophone and voice helped pioneer a new era of Afro-pop music.
His widow, Benedicta Adu-Poku, delivered a heartfelt tribute, quoting lyrics from one of Osibisa’s iconic songs: “We are going, heaven knows where we are going,” and said the line continues to echo in her heart. She added, “If not on tour, he always made time for me and those were very precious times together. I will carry your love with me always, until we meet again.”
Teddy Osei’s journey began in Kumasi, where he was born to Roman Catholic parents Michael and Josephine Kyekyere. Named after the revered Ashanti King Osei Tutu I, he was the second of seven children.
His musical influence came early, thanks to his father’s involvement in a church band and exposure to local traditional music.
