OSIBISA

Osibisa are the most successful and longest serving of the African-heritage bands to come out of London in the early 1970’s. Formed in 1969 and with their debut album charting gold by early 1971 they were largely responsible for the establishment of Afro-Rock & World Music, and now Afro Beats as marketable genres.  

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Audiences flocked to become part of the Osibisa live movement of utter elation! During these early days, the band of musical joy-makers, captured the attention of other musicians of the day.  ‘Jimi Hendrix watched them rehearse, Stevie Wonder joined them on drums, and Fela Kuti partied with them in Lagos. Osibisa, whose African sunshine sound captivated the planet, have now returned’ – The Guardian.  Artists enjoyed gleaning tips on how to ignite their own live performances with the dazzling energy created by Osibisa.

 

Their UK chart hits followed including ‘Dance The Body Music’  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fTuxaFBAo8 the iconic and ‘Sunshine Day’  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc4FliXHh9s  

 

In June 1971, Osibisa, became the first black band to break the iconic, Marquee Club, during the 11th National Jazz, Blues and Pop Festival – poignant, as exactly 50 years on, the band become the debut signing to the new and official Marquee Records, under Right Track Universal. ‍Osibisa played on several international tours in the late 1970’s including India, Japan, Australia and several African countries. They would also go on to play during the Independence Celebration of Zimbabwe in 1980.

 

The original band which featured on the first three studio albums were universally known as the Beautiful Seven and the current iteration of official Osibisa features the three of those seven in the Osibisa camp, with two of them playing today. 

 

With a new single & rarities album on the way for late 2023 and early 2024 respectively, followed by a new studio album, the bands 16th, released in May 2024 it’s an exciting time to be seeing this amazing band live. 

Accept no substitute!