LINE UP
Sol Amarfio – vacals, percussion
Gregg Kofi Brown – guitar, lead vocals
Dikoto Mandegue – bass
Chris Jerome – key
Paapa J Mensah – drums

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 OISIBISA’S endless touring schedule include performances in India, Japan, Morocco, Australia, and Europe. The new millennium has seen a re-emergence of OSIBISA playing at prestigious UK festivals such as WOMAD and the CORNBURY and supporting SANTANA on tour in Austria.
With MASTER’S AT WORK’S LOUIE VEGA’S reworking of OSIBISA’S ‘Music for Gong Gong’ going ballistic in clubs in New York and Miami their influence continues to this day.
The current line up of Osibisa include Ghanaian founder member – Sol Amarfio (vocals and percussion) writer of such classics as ‘WOYAYA’ ‘WELCOME HOME’ & ‘SUNSHINE DAY’; Long standing member & front man Gregg Kofi Brown credits include STING, LAURYN HILL & BILLY  COBHAM (guitar and lead vocals);  legendary Osibisa Superfly TNT bassist Jean Dikoto Mandegue – credits include MANU DIBANGO…joined the band in 1973; Chris Jerome (Osibisa album ‘Aka Ka Kra’) – world class keyboardist who has recorded & performed with FAITHLESS & COURTNEY PINE;  Paapa J Mensah (Osibisa album ‘Monsore’) – credits include RONNIE LAWS & HI TENSION is Ghana’s most renowned and versatile drummer & percussionist; Legendary saxophonist Ray Careless credits include ADELE 21 LP & CYMANDE; South African trumpet sensation Claude Deppa credits include Jazz Warriors & Carla Bley;