Teddy Osei to be honored with State burial on April 4 in Ghana

Ghana is preparing for a solemn occasion as it bids farewell to one of its most distinguished musical figures, Francis Teddy Osei, with a state funeral scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025. Teddy Osei, the mastermind behind the iconic Afro-rock group Osibisa, will be honored for his exceptional contributions to Ghanaian music and culture.

The official funeral proceedings will kick off at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, where Teddy Osei will lie in state from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Subsequently, his body will be transported to Kumasi for the final funeral rites before his interment on Saturday, April 5.

To pay tribute to Teddy Osei along the journey from Accra to Kumasi, Ghanaians are encouraged to sing Osibisa’s timeless anthem, “Woyaya.” Additionally, radio and television stations are urged to join in by broadcasting his music and highlighting critical points along the procession.

Born on December 1, 1937, in Kumasi, Teddy Osei’s musical journey was profoundly influenced by his upbringing and initial exposure to highlife music. With a scholarship from Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, he pursued music and drama studies in London, where he established his first band, Cat’s Paw.

In 1969, Teddy Osei teamed up with Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh to form Osibisa. Renowned for blending African rhythms with rock and funk, the band garnered international acclaim, serving as trailblazers in introducing African music to a global audience.

As the nation prepares to honor Teddy Osei, he continues to be revered as a pioneer of Afro-rock and a cultural ambassador. The state funeral presents an opportunity for both Ghana and music enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate his remarkable life and enduring impact on the music industry. Teddy Osei’s legacy will endure through his groundbreaking contributions to music and his role in promoting African music on the global stage.