Osibisa Live

Formed in London in 1969 by three Ghanaian and three Caribbean musicians, Osibisa

played a central role in developing an awareness of African music among European

and North American audiences; OSIBISA exploded on to the music world of the 70s

with a pulsating and vibrant sound that was to engulf the tired post-60s rock scene.

Osibisa’s debut album displayed music whose rock references, especially in the

guitar solos, combined with vibrant African cross rhythms; translated from Ghanaian,

Osibisa means “criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness.” The band’s true

power only fully came across on stage, when African village scenarios and a mastery

of rhythm and melody summoned up energy and spirit.

Osibisa’s percussive influence began to manifest itself within the music of their

contemporaries. Their signature poly-rhythms and percussive breaks were to be an

integral feature of the disco boom that was to follow in the late 70’s

The band’s unique fusion of African, Caribbean, rock, jazz, Latin and R&B paved the

way for other potent music forces, such as Bob Marley and the emergence of

African music in the 80’s. Indeed, Osibisa are seen by many as the Godfathers of

World Music.

One of the important reasons for Osibisa’s enduring success has been their highly

energetic and extravagant stage shows. However, their music is still an influential

factor in dance music of today - with no fewer than a dozen covers of Euro 2000

football tournament’s theme music, “Sunshine Day” to date!

For many years now, they’ve toured tirelessly, headlining numerous festivals and

performing in every far-flung corner of the globe. Highlights have included a major

tour of India, which resulted in a No.1 Gold Album: an unprecedented achievement

for a Western band.

Former President Jerry J. Rawlings honoured Osibisa in Ghana where they played a

series of concerts celebrating their home-coming. “The enthusiasm shown by the

Ghana people, especially the youth, was quite amazing” recalled Teddy Osei,

Osibisa’s leader.

Over the past few years Osibisa have appeared at the legendary Sunsplash Festival,

North-Sea Jazz (Cape Town SA), and Glastonbury, as well as sold-out concerts in

Europe, the UK, and Japan. This legendary band are still in existence, still recording,

and still exploding with happiness!