Osibisa was in the house
Infectious criss-cross rhythms filled the air at the Kempiski Hotel in Accra last Saturday, June 24, when the famous Osibisa band took to the stage at this year’s Exclusive Man of the Year (EMY) Africa Awards ceremony.
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With two of the band’s original members, guitarist Wendel Richardson and drummer Sol Amarfio teaming up with a squad of younger hands including Bessa Simons on keyboards and Della Hayes on backing vocals, the Afro-rock band delighted guests with some of its time-tested hits.
Formed in 1969 in England, the band has travelled the world with its own sizzling brand of fusion sounds. It has been through several incarnations over the years and the lineup for the EMY Awards gig was another indication that there was still some vibrant life in the outfit.
The band was given an award in the African Entertainment Legends category at EMY programme. Former Minister of Finance, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, was crowned the Ultimate Man of the Year at the event.
For those who missed the Kempiski affair, Osibisa will be in action again tonight, June 30 at the Piano Bar, near the Teshie-Nungua Greda Estates Shell Roundabout in Accra.
There will be another thrilling night at the Best Western Atlantic Hotel, Takoradi on Friday, July 7. Kumasi hosts the band at the Golden Tulip Hotel on Saturday, July 15.
“We had time to push in only four songs at Kempiski but more of the band’s wide repertoire will be on offer at the other gigs. So everyone can come along and dance to Woyaya, Sunshine Day, The Coffee Song, Welcome Home, Music For Gong Gong, Wango Wango, Ayiko Bia, Happy Children and more,” Bessa Simons said.