Osibisa Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Jazz fusion Disco Funk Afrobeat Afro-jazz Jazz rock Soul afropop highlife hiplife afro rock afro-funk

Members

Select a Osibisa band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Kiki Gyan

Roles:

Keyboardist

No gear added

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Teddy Osei

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

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Loughty Amao

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

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Kofi Ayivor
No gear added

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Roy Bedeau
No gear added

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Jean Mandengue

Roles:

Singer Bassist

No gear added

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Emmanuel Rentzos

Roles:

Keyboardist

No gear added

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Del Richardson

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

No gear added

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Bessa Simons
No gear added

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Sol Amarfio

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

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About

Osibisa is a pioneering Afro rock band that emerged from the vibrant cultural melting pot of London in the late 1960s. The group was founded by a collective of expatriate musicians from Ghana and the Caribbean, including Teddy Osei (saxophone, flute, vocals), Sol Amarfio (drums), and Mac Tontoh (trumpet, flugelhorn). Osibisa is celebrated for their dynamic fusion of genres, blending Afrobeat, Afro-funk, jazz fusion, and rock into a sound that is both rhythmically complex and melodically rich. Their music, which also incorporates elements of disco, soul, and highlife, has achieved international acclaim, making them one of the most influential bands to bring African musical traditions to a global audience.

How to Sound Like Osibisa

Osibisa's sound is characterized by its vibrant, rhythmic energy and intricate melodic lines. Their music often features polyrhythmic percussion, driven by a combination of traditional African drums and Western drum kits, creating a lively and infectious groove. The horn section, with its bright and punchy brass tones, is central to their arrangements, delivering both melodic hooks and powerful harmonic support. To emulate Osibisa's sound, musicians might incorporate analog synthesizers and electric pianos that provide lush, harmonic textures. Guitarists aiming for their style should focus on clean, melodic lines and rhythmic strumming patterns, often enhanced by wah pedals and modulation effects to add depth and movement. The result is a sound that is both celebratory and sophisticated, capturing the essence of a diverse musical heritage with a modern twist.