Bessa Simons, Teddy Osei hold Osibisa workshops

Ghanaian musicians have been advised to take their careers seriously and be disciplined in their work. This advice was given by the founder and leader of Osibisa Teddy Osei who gave the advice at a seminar for students at the University Education, Winneba and the University of Cape Coast.

The seminars dubbed “Going Global with your Music Career – The Osibisa Experience” were organized by ace keyboardist and 1st Vice President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Bessa Simons as part of a project funded by the Ghana Culture Forum with support from the two institutions.

In his presentation, the founder of Osibisa, Teddy Osei spoke about the origins of the group, their experiences in the music industry and some of the challenges of the music business. He advised the students to remain dedicated and disciplined saying that was the sure route to success in the music business.

Bessa Simons on his part advised the students to take practicing seriously so that they can fully exploit their potentials. He recalled his experiences with Osibisa and their role as cultural ambassadors of the country.

According to the Project Coordinator George Bosumpim, they plan to take the seminar and performances to all tertiary institutions in the country. He said the objectives of the project include highlighting the key lessons from the Osibisa, exposing the young generation to the music of Osibisa and creating a mentoring regime for the students to interact with Bessa Simons and the existing Osibisa members. A consultant on the project, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey said the project provides an opportunity for aspiring young musicians to imbibe some of the crucial ingredients that made Osibisa a household name.

The Ag Head of the Music Department in the School of Creative Arts at the University of Winneba, Emmanuel Obed Acquah applauded Bessa Simons and Teddy Osei for their initiative. He indicated that the Department of Music of the School has introduced a fortnightly program dubbed “Sound Flames” to bring music professionals to interact with the students and that the school will continue with such interventions.

At the University of Cape Coast, a senior lecturer of the Music Department Dr Mawueyram Adjaho also expressed his appreciation for the seminar and advised the student to seriously imbibe the lessons delivered by the two top musicians.