Osibisa was formed in London in the late 60s by a group of musicians from the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. From Ghana came Teddy Osei, Sol Amarfio and Mac Tontoh. They are joined by Spartacus R (Grenada), Wendell Richardson (Antigua) and Robert Bailey (Trinidad). This eponymous debut album was released in 1971, laying the foundations for a fusion of highlife, afro-funk, rock and afrobeat that would make Osibisa a legendary band. This record also inaugurated the formidable graphics of Roger Dean, who also designed the first Yes covers, for example, and the famous flying elephant. Osibisa’s line-up has changed a lot since the original line-up, but the band is still alive and kicking, and a single from the band was even released last year.
Osibisa – 1971
