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Please exchange Shoobs ticket at the Box Office on entry for Jazz Cafe Ticket.
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!
5 Parkway
Camden
London, , NW1 7PG
United Kingdom