Osibisa is described as a British Afro-pop band although founded in London in 1969 by a group of African and Caribbean musicians.  The idea for the band was formulated by Teddy Osei [born 1937], a Ghanaian sax player, flutist, percussionist, composer, and drummer who came to London to study music.  The name ‘Osibisa’ is taken from the Akan language of Ghana.  ‘Osibisaba’ means criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness.  Their music was a combination of Ghanaian high life music, Caribbean calypso, funk, rock, and jazz.  The percussion work on their songs were intricate and the rhythms highly energetic.

The band became popular in the early 1970 with songs such as ‘The Coffee Song’ and ‘Dance the Body Music’.  They wore amazingly colourful clothes which always represented elements of African traditional wear.

Although members changed over time, the band maintained its energy and innovativeness and continues to tour and record.  The original members included brothers from Ghana, Teddy Osei and Mac Tontoh [1940-2010] trumpet, horns, percussion, Sol Amarfio, Ghana, [1938-2022], master drummer and songwriter. Spartacus R,  Grenada, bass guitar, percussion and vocals, [died 2010]  Robert Bailey, Trinidad, keyboardist and Abdul Loughty Lasisi Amao, Nigeria, bass, percussion, vocals [died 2010] as well as Wendell (Dell) Richardson, guitars, lead vocals, percussion. They were joined later by the talented Kiki Gyan, [1957-2004] pianist, songwriter.  They played all over the world and for the late Queen of England, Elizabeth II.