Lord Eric Sugumugu of Osibisa Fame: The Ghanaian Percussionist
The global African music community is mourning the passing of veteran Ghanaian percussionist Eric Carboo, widely known as Lord Eric Sugumugu, a charismatic musician, cultural ambassador, and educator who spent decades promoting African rhythms across the United Kingdom and Europe.
Sugumugu, who was closely associated with the legendary Afro-rock band Osibisa, died on 17 February 2026 at Royal Free Hospital after battling lung cancer. He was 81 years old.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of African music in the diaspora.
Early Life in Ghana
Born Eric Carboo in Ghana, Lord Eric Sugumugu grew up immersed in the rich musical traditions of West Africa. From a young age, he displayed a strong passion for rhythm and percussion, learning to play traditional drums used in cultural ceremonies, festivals, and community gatherings.
Ghana’s vibrant musical environment shaped his early development. Traditional rhythms, storytelling, and communal performance formed the foundation of his musical identity. These influences would later become central to his performances and teaching.
As African music began gaining international attention during the 1960s and 1970s, Sugumugu joined a wave of talented Ghanaian musicians who travelled abroad in search of opportunities and wider audiences.
Arrival in London and the Rise of Afro-Rock
When Sugumugu moved to London, the city was becoming a hub for African musicians experimenting with new sounds. Traditional African rhythms were being blended with Western rock, jazz, and funk to create a groundbreaking genre known as Afro-rock.
Sugumugu quickly became part of this creative movement. He developed close ties with musicians connected to Osibisa, one of the most influential African bands in global music history.
The band was founded by Ghanaian saxophonist Teddy Osei, whose vision was to introduce African rhythms to international audiences. Osibisa achieved worldwide success in the early 1970s with their unique fusion of African percussion, rock guitars, brass sections, and Caribbean influences.
Although Lord Eric Sugumugu was not always listed as an official band member, he remained closely associated with the Osibisa circle and the broader Afro-rock movement. His powerful drumming and vibrant stage presence made him a respected figure among African musicians in Europe.
A Life on Stage
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Sugumugu performed widely across the United Kingdom and Europe. His performances often featured energetic African drumming, dance, and storytelling, creating an immersive cultural experience for audiences.
His style was deeply rooted in Ghanaian percussion traditions. Whether performing on stage or at community festivals, Sugumugu’s rhythms reflected the spiritual and cultural heritage of West Africa.
He became a familiar figure at African cultural events, concerts, and diaspora gatherings, helping keep traditional African music alive outside the continent.
Cultural Educator and Teacher
In the later years of his life, Lord Eric Sugumugu dedicated himself to education and cultural preservation.
He visited schools, community centres, and cultural institutions across the UK, teaching students about African music, drumming, storytelling, and heritage. His workshops combined music, history, and performance, allowing young people to experience African culture firsthand.
Teachers and students admired his engaging personality and passion for sharing knowledge. Through rhythm and storytelling, he helped bridge cultural gaps and inspired many young people to appreciate African traditions.
For many of his students, Sugumugu was not just a musician but a cultural ambassador who brought Africa’s musical heritage into classrooms.
Legacy in African Diaspora Music
Lord Eric Sugumugu belonged to a generation of pioneering African musicians who introduced African sounds to international audiences during a time when the global music industry was dominated by Western genres.
Through his connection to Osibisa and the wider Afro-rock movement, he contributed to a musical revolution that blended continents and cultures.
His work helped strengthen the presence of African music in Europe and inspired younger generations of musicians to embrace their roots.
Beyond music, Sugumugu’s dedication to education ensured that African rhythms, stories, and traditions would continue to be passed on to future generations.
Remembering Lord Eric Sugumugu
Friends, fellow musicians, and former students remember Sugumugu as a vibrant performer, generous mentor, and proud representative of Ghanaian culture.
His life was devoted to rhythm — from the drums he played on stage to the cultural heartbeat he shared with communities and classrooms across the UK.
Though he has passed on, the rhythms he carried from Ghana to the world will continue to echo through the many lives he touched.
Lord Eric Sugumugu’s legacy remains a powerful reminder that music can be more than entertainment — it can be a bridge between cultures, generations, and continents.
Osibisa: Pioneers of Afro-Rock
Osibisa is a Ghanaian-British Afro-rock band formed in London in 1969 by a group of talented Ghanaian and Caribbean musicians. They were at the forefront of bringing African rhythms and melodies to Western rock, funk, and jazz audiences. Their music is known for:
• High-energy percussion and polyrhythms inspired by Ghanaian traditional music
• Brass and horn sections that became a signature of their sound
• Fusion of rock, funk, jazz, and Afrobeat, making their performances vibrant and uplifting
They achieved international acclaim in the 1970s, with albums like Osibisa (1971) and hits such as “Sunshine Day”, which remains one of their most recognizable songs.
Lord Eric: A Key Figure
Lord Eric was one of Osibisa’s later members and a respected musician within the Afro-rock community. He spent recent years living and working in the UK, continuing to perform, mentor younger musicians, and promote African music globally. His musicianship carried forward the signature Osibisa style while also bringing his personal touch to live performances and recordings.
His contributions were recognized in an article in The Times (UK), highlighting his dedication to Afro-rock, his efforts to keep Ghanaian music alive in the diaspora, and his role as a mentor and ambassador for African rhythms internationally.
Passing and Legacy
A few weeks ago, the Afro-rock community mourned the loss of Lord Eric. Tributes emphasized:
• His role in maintaining Osibisa’s legacy
• His influence on Ghanaian music and musicians in the UK
• His warmth and generosity as a mentor and performer
Lord Eric’s passing marks the loss of a vital link between Ghanaian Afro-rock traditions and international audiences, but his influence lives on in recordings, live performances, and the musicians he inspired.
