The legendary afro-pop group, Osibisa is to receive a lifetime achievement award at the inaugural Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) Awards ceremony to be held in London on Sunday 24 October. This award will commemorate founding members Spartacus R and Mac Tontoh who both sadly passed away this year.

London-based band, Yaaba Funk will perform a special tribute to Osibisa at the award ceremony. Paul Brett, bassist for Yaaba Funk comments: “It’s sad that Spartacus and Mac Tontoh will not be around to receive the award – together with the other founding members; they paved the way.”

Lead vocalist and percussionist Richmond Kessie also adds: “When I was 16, I wrote to [Osibisa founder] Teddy Osei as I really wanted to be a musician. They invited me to their office and told me to keep trying and that one day our paths will cross again. That time is now.”

The GUBA awards honour 16 individuals and businesses that serve the Ghanaian community and have excelled through hard work and diligence in Britain. Nominees include chart-topping rapper Tinchy Stryder, shipping company Cargo Vision, Sunderland FC defender John Mensah, Eastenders actor Devon Anderson, Choice FM DJ Abrantee, Eclat Hair Salon, Ghana Union and Voice of Africa Radio (VOAR).

World Cup and Premier League footballer John Paintsil is patron of the GUBA event, which is the brainchild of TV presenter Dentaa Afriyie-Sumpa. According to Dentaa, the GUBA Awards aims to recognise Ghanaian and non Ghanaian individuals and businesses that are excelling whist promoting, or providing a service to Ghana.

“I want young people in our community to know there are many unsung heroes who are excellent role models. The GUBA awards will be a night to remember; not only will we celebrate thriving businesses in the UK, we will also provide assistance to local businesses, deliver advice seminars and host networking events”, she adds.

The GUBA Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 24 October at the renowned Porchester Hall in Bayswater, London W2 5HS.