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Study Guide: Osibisa: Afro-Rock Pioneers

Cheat Sheet:
Osibisa: Afro-Rock Pioneers Study Guide

Origins and Formation

The band Osibisa was initially formed in Ghana by musicians primarily focused on traditional Ghanaian highlife music.

Answer: False

Explanation: The band Osibisa was founded in London in the late 1960s by a multicultural ensemble of Ghanaian and Caribbean musicians, rather than being formed in Ghana with a primary focus solely on traditional highlife.

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Teddy Osei, a founding member of Osibisa, pursued musical studies in London following his relocation in 1962.

Answer: True

Explanation: Teddy Osei relocated to London in 1962 with the intention of studying music, a pivotal step in his journey that eventually led to the formation of Osibisa.

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The original lineup of Osibisa, referred to as the 'Beautiful Seven,' comprised musicians exclusively from Ghana and Nigeria.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Beautiful Seven' lineup was diverse, including musicians not only from Ghana and Nigeria but also from the Caribbean (Grenada, Antigua, Trinidad), reflecting the band's multicultural origins.

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What are the primary origins and defining musical style of the band Osibisa?

Answer: A Ghanaian-Caribbean Afro rock band founded in London.

Explanation: Osibisa originated as a Ghanaian-Caribbean Afro rock band, established in London in the late 1960s, blending diverse cultural and musical influences.

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Prior to the formation of Osibisa, Teddy Osei and Sol Amarfio were members of which earlier band based in Ghana?

Answer: The Star Gazers

Explanation: Teddy Osei and Sol Amarfio were members of the Ghanaian band 'The Star Gazers' during the 1950s, before their involvement with other groups that eventually led to Osibisa.

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The original lineup of Osibisa was notable for its diversity. Which of the following nationalities was absent from the initial group?

Answer: Jamaican

Explanation: The initial lineup of Osibisa included members from Ghana, Antigua, Nigeria, Grenada, and Trinidad. Jamaican musicians were not part of this original ensemble.

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Musical Identity and Fusion

The band name 'Osibisa' is directly derived from a Fante word that translates to 'criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness.'

Answer: False

Explanation: While the phrase 'criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness' was often associated with the band's name in promotional materials and lyrics, the actual Fante origin of the name is 'osibisaba,' meaning 'highlife.'

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Osibisa's musical output primarily fused traditional Ghanaian highlife with classical orchestral arrangements.

Answer: False

Explanation: Osibisa's music was characterized by a fusion of traditional Ghanaian highlife with Western rock, funk, jazz, and Caribbean influences, rather than classical orchestral arrangements.

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The title *Woyaya* originates from the Ga language of Ghana and is pronounced phonetically as it is written.

Answer: False

Explanation: While *Woyaya* originates from the Ga language of Ghana, its pronunciation is not strictly phonetic as written; it is conventionally pronounced with an open-mid back rounded vowel, represented as *Wɔyaya*.

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The band's name 'Osibisa' is sometimes described as meaning 'criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness,' but its true origin lies in the Fante word for 'highlife.'

Answer: True

Explanation: While the phrase 'criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness' was popularly associated with the band's name, its actual etymological root is the Fante word 'osibisaba,' which translates to 'highlife.'

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What was the commonly associated meaning or description of the band name 'Osibisa' in lyrics and interviews?

Answer: 'Criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness'.

Explanation: In lyrics and interviews, the band name 'Osibisa' was frequently described as meaning 'criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness,' although its true origin is the Fante word for 'highlife.'

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Osibisa is credited with pioneering which two significant musical genres?

Answer: Afro-rock and World Music

Explanation: Osibisa is widely recognized for pioneering and popularizing the genres of Afro-rock and 'world music,' bridging cultural divides through their innovative sound.

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The album title *Woyaya* originates from which Ghanaian language?

Answer: Ga

Explanation: The title *Woyaya* is derived from the Ga language, indigenous to Ghana, reflecting the band's deep cultural roots.

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What is the Fante word that represents the actual origin of the band name Osibisa?

Answer: Osibisaba

Explanation: The actual origin of the band name Osibisa is the Fante word 'osibisaba,' which translates to 'highlife.'

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Members and Instruments

Teddy Osei was primarily recognized for playing the trumpet within the original Osibisa lineup.

Answer: False

Explanation: Teddy Osei's primary roles in the original Osibisa lineup included lead vocals, saxophone, flute, and percussion, not the trumpet. Mac Tontoh was the trumpeter.

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Which instrument was Mac Tontoh, a founding member of Osibisa, primarily associated with?

Answer: Trumpet

Explanation: Mac Tontoh, a founding member of Osibisa, was primarily known for playing the trumpet and contributing to the band's horn section.

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What was Teddy Osei's primary role within the original Osibisa lineup?

Answer: Lead vocals, saxophone, flute, and percussion

Explanation: Teddy Osei served as the lead vocalist and was proficient on saxophone, flute, and percussion in the original Osibisa lineup.

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Discography and Chart Performance

The song '(I Feel) Pata Pata' achieved significant popularity in West Africa for the band The Comets prior to the formation of Osibisa.

Answer: True

Explanation: The song '(I Feel) Pata Pata' was indeed a hit for The Comets in West Africa in 1958, predating the establishment of Osibisa. This earlier musical endeavor involved some future members of Osibisa.

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The album *Woyaya* included a track titled 'Beautiful Seven,' which also served as the nickname for the band's original lineup.

Answer: True

Explanation: The album *Woyaya* indeed contained a song named 'Beautiful Seven,' which corresponded to the moniker given to the band's initial configuration of musicians.

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In the United Kingdom charts, Osibisa's single 'Sunshine Day' achieved a higher chart position than 'Dance the Body Music.'

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Sunshine Day' reached number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, while 'Dance the Body Music' peaked at number 31, indicating 'Sunshine Day' performed better.

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The album *Mystic Energy* marked a stylistic shift for Osibisa, incorporating elements of R&B, dance-pop, and disco.

Answer: True

Explanation: On the album *Mystic Energy*, Osibisa explored genres such as R&B, dance-pop, and disco, diverging from their earlier signature Afro-rock sound.

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Osibisa's self-titled 1971 album, *Osibisa*, reached number 55 on the UK Albums Chart.

Answer: False

Explanation: The album *Osibisa* (1971) reached number 55 on the *Billboard 200* chart in the United States, not the UK Albums Chart.

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Following the late 1980s, Osibisa's first album composed entirely of new material was *Monsore*, released in 1995.

Answer: True

Explanation: After a period of activity that included the late 1980s, *Monsore*, released in 1995, marked Osibisa's first album featuring entirely new compositions.

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The titles *African Dawn* and *Urban Village* refer to confirmed studio albums released by Osibisa in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively.

Answer: False

Explanation: Both *African Dawn* (planned for 1983) and *Urban Village* (listed for 1998) are noted as unreleased projects in the provided information, not confirmed studio albums.

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The most recent studio album cited for Osibisa is *New Dawn*, released in 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the provided text, *New Dawn*, released in 2021, is the most recent studio album mentioned for the band Osibisa.

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*Live at Cropredy* represented Osibisa's first live album release in over two decades.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Live at Cropredy*, released in 1998, was Osibisa's first live album in fifteen years, not over two decades.

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The compilation album *Best of Osibisa* achieved chart success in Australia, reaching the number 88 position.

Answer: True

Explanation: The compilation album *Best of Osibisa*, released in 1973, charted in Australia, peaking at number 88.

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Multiple Osibisa studio albums achieved chart positions on the Billboard 200, including *Heads* and *Welcome Home*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, several Osibisa studio albums charted on the Billboard 200, with *Heads* reaching number 125 and *Welcome Home* reaching number 200, among other placements.

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Which Osibisa song achieved the position of number 17 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1976?

Answer: Sunshine Day

Explanation: The song 'Sunshine Day' reached number 17 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1976, marking a significant chart success for the band.

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Which of the following Osibisa albums signifies a stylistic shift towards R&B, dance-pop, and disco?

Answer: *Mystic Energy*

Explanation: The album *Mystic Energy* marked a departure from Osibisa's established Afro-rock sound, as the band explored contemporary genres like R&B, dance-pop, and disco.

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What was the title of Osibisa's first album comprising entirely new material released subsequent to the late 1980s?

Answer: *Monsore*

Explanation: *Monsore*, released in 1995, was Osibisa's first album consisting entirely of new material following the late 1980s.

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Which of the following titles is listed as an unreleased project by Osibisa?

Answer: *African Dawn*

Explanation: The project *African Dawn* is noted as an unreleased album from 1983, intended as a follow-up to *African Flight*.

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What is the title of Osibisa's most recent studio album mentioned within the provided text?

Answer: *New Dawn*

Explanation: The text identifies *New Dawn*, released in 2021, as the most recent studio album by Osibisa.

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Which compilation album released by Osibisa achieved chart success in Australia?

Answer: *The Best of Osibisa*

Explanation: The compilation album titled *The Best of Osibisa* charted in Australia, reaching the number 88 position.

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Which Osibisa studio album achieved the highest position on the Billboard 200 chart?

Answer: *Osibisa* (#55)

Explanation: The self-titled album *Osibisa* (1971) reached the highest position on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at number 55.

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Visual Art and Album Covers

Roger Dean, recognized for his contributions to progressive rock album art, designed the cover for Osibisa's album *Heads*.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Roger Dean designed the artwork for Osibisa's first two albums, the cover for *Heads* was created by Mati Klarwein.

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The album artwork for Osibisa's initial releases, *Osibisa* and *Woyaya*, prominently featured flying elephants.

Answer: True

Explanation: The iconic artwork for Osibisa's first two albums, *Osibisa* and *Woyaya*, created by Roger Dean, famously depicted flying elephants, which became a symbolic emblem for the band.

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Henri Rousseau's painting 'Negro Attacked by a Jaguar' was featured on the cover of Osibisa's album *Woyaya*.

Answer: False

Explanation: The painting 'Negro Attacked by a Jaguar' by Henri Rousseau was featured on the cover of Osibisa's album *Osibirock*, not *Woyaya*. The *Woyaya* cover art was created by Roger Dean.

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The artwork for the albums *Osibisa* and *Woyaya* was created by which artist, renowned for his distinctive style?

Answer: Roger Dean

Explanation: Roger Dean, an artist celebrated for his unique style, created the distinctive artwork for Osibisa's first two albums, *Osibisa* and *Woyaya*.

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What iconic imagery, featured on the artwork for Osibisa's early albums, became a symbolic emblem for the band?

Answer: Flying elephants

Explanation: The 'flying elephants' depicted on the artwork for Osibisa's early albums, notably designed by Roger Dean, evolved into an iconic and symbolic emblem representing the band.

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Who was the designer of the cover art for Osibisa's 1972 album *Heads*?

Answer: Mati Klarwein

Explanation: The cover art for Osibisa's 1972 album *Heads* was designed by Mati Klarwein, an artist known for his work on other seminal album covers.

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The 'flying elephants' motif, originally featured on Osibisa's early album covers, was revisited on the cover of which later album?

Answer: *Osee Yee*

Explanation: The 'flying elephants' theme, a signature element from Osibisa's early album art, was revisited on the cover of their 2009 album, *Osee Yee*.

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Career Milestones and Legacy

Osibisa is regarded as one of the least successful bands of African heritage formed in London during the late 1960s and 1970s.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to being one of the least successful, Osibisa is recognized as the most successful and longest-lasting band of African heritage from that era, pioneering 'world music' and Afro-rock.

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Osibisa performed at the coronation ceremony of the Queen of England in 1977.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided information does not mention Osibisa performing at the Queen's coronation in 1977. Their significant performances include the Zimbabwe independence celebration in 1980.

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Sol Amarfio, a founding drummer of Osibisa, passed away in 2010.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sol Amarfio, a founding drummer of Osibisa, passed away on December 13, 2022, not in 2010.

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Osibisa's music was featured in Richard Linklater's 2014 film *Boyhood*, which subsequently inspired a new recording project for the band.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inclusion of Osibisa's music in the film *Boyhood* served as an inspiration for a new recording project undertaken by the band in late 2015.

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The Ghanaian hip-hop producer Hammer of The Last Two cited Osibisa's song 'Sunshine Day' as a significant inspiration for his debut production.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hammer of The Last Two cited Osibisa's song 'Welcome Home,' not 'Sunshine Day,' as a major inspiration for his debut production for Obrafour's *Pae Mu Ka* album.

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Some Osibisa members established a recording studio and theatre complex in Ghana to support emerging rock musicians.

Answer: False

Explanation: While some Osibisa members did establish a recording studio and theatre complex in Ghana, its purpose was to support emerging *highlife* musicians, not rock musicians.

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Abdul Loughty Lasisi Amao, an original member of Osibisa, passed away in 1988.

Answer: True

Explanation: Abdul Loughty Lasisi Amao, who contributed vocals, flute, and percussion to Osibisa, passed away in 1988.

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Which statement best characterizes Osibisa's significance within the music industry?

Answer: They pioneered 'world music' and Afro-rock, achieving significant success for a band of African heritage.

Explanation: Osibisa is widely credited with pioneering the genres of 'world music' and Afro-rock, achieving considerable international success and paving the way for other artists of African heritage.

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During the 1970s, Osibisa undertook extensive international tours. Which region is not explicitly identified as a touring destination within the provided source material?

Answer: North America

Explanation: The source material details extensive tours in regions such as Australasia, India, and various African nations during the 1970s, but North America is not explicitly mentioned as a touring destination for that period.

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In which year did Osibisa perform at a celebration marking Zimbabwe's independence?

Answer: 1980

Explanation: Osibisa performed at a notable celebration for Zimbabwe's independence in the year 1980.

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What initiative did some Osibisa members undertake in Ghana to foster the local music scene?

Answer: Building a recording studio and theatre complex for emerging highlife musicians.

Explanation: Some members of Osibisa established a recording studio and theatre complex in Ghana with the specific aim of supporting and cultivating emerging highlife musicians.

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The inclusion of Osibisa's music in which film inspired a new recording project for the band in late 2015?

Answer: Boyhood

Explanation: The placement of Osibisa's music in Richard Linklater's 2014 film *Boyhood* served as an inspiration for a new recording project commenced by the band in late 2015.

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Which Ghanaian hip-hop producer cited Osibisa's song 'Welcome Home' as an inspiration for his production of Obrafour's *Pae Mu Ka* album?

Answer: Hammer of The Last Two

Explanation: Hammer of The Last Two, a prominent Ghanaian hip-hop producer, identified Osibisa's song 'Welcome Home' as a significant inspiration for his production work on Obrafour's seminal album, *Pae Mu Ka*.

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Based on the provided information, which founding member of Osibisa passed away most recently?

Answer: Teddy Osei (died 2025)

Explanation: According to the provided text, Teddy Osei, a founding member, passed away on January 14, 2025, making him the most recently deceased among the listed founding members.

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Which book, authored by Charles Aniagolu, offers significant insights into Osibisa's history and musical contributions?

Answer: *Osibisa – Living In The State Of Happy Vibes And Criss Cross Rhythms*

Explanation: Charles Aniagolu authored the book *Osibisa – Living In The State Of Happy Vibes And Criss Cross Rhythms*, published in 2004, which delves into the band's history and music.

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General Information and Identification

The band's official website is listed as osibisa.com.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided information indicates that the official website for Osibisa is osibisa.co.uk, not osibisa.com.

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Which of the following is not listed as an official source for information regarding Osibisa within the provided text?

Answer: Wikipedia page

Explanation: The provided text lists osibisa.co.uk, the official Facebook page, and Discogs as official sources, but does not include a Wikipedia page among them.

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