OSIBISA

OSIBISA exploded onto the music world in 1971 with a pulsating and vibrant sound that was to engulf the post 60s rock scene. Their first albums were as distinctive for their famous ‘flying elephant’ fantasy? artwork covers by the great Roger Dean as they were for their exciting music.

Translated from Ghanaian OSIBISA means ‘criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness’. The bands percussive influence soon began to manifest itself within the music of their contemporaries. OSIBISA’S use of poly-rhythms and percussive breaks were to be an integral feature of the deep house scene in the 90s with remixes by the famed DJ DAVID GUETTA.

OSIBISA’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 80s. Indeed OSIBISA are now seen 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.

Recent highlights of OSIBISA’S endless touring schedule include performances in India, Japan, Morocco, Australia, America and Europe. The new millennium has seen a re-emergence of OSIBISA playing at prestigious UK festivals such as WOMAD and the CORNBURY, supporting SANTANA on tour in Austria and performing with BABA MAAL & FEMI KUTI on the SUMMER STAGE in Central Park NYC

OSIBISA NEW DAWN album release earned 5 star reviews and has been compared to their original first three classic albums. With MASTER’S AT WORK’S LOUIE VEGA’S remix of OSIBISA’S ‘YO LUV IS BETTA’ going ballistic in clubs in New York and Miami their influence continues to this day.

The current line up of OSIBISA include original founder member –Wendell Richardson ( vocals and guitarist) singer of such Osibisa classics as 'Sunshine Day’ , ‘Woyaya' & ‘Welcome Home’. Bassist Jean Dikoto Mandengue who played on such classic albums as Heads and Superfly TNT! Long standing member Gregg Kofi Brown – a world class vocalist and guitarist who has recorded & performed with YOUSSOU N’DOUR, STING and CHAKA DEMUS & PLIERS joined the band in 1982. He is featured vocalist on ‘Osibisa Live at the Marquee' DVD & album