THEOPHILUS NII MARTEY

Director/ Leader

Theophilus Nii Martey is a talented artist who was born and raised in Accra Ghana, West Africa. He has taught and performed African drumming and dancing in Ghana and internationally, England, Ireland, Mexico, Canada and the United States. At the age of 6, Theo began performing with the African Personality youth Ensemble in 1986 and he then joined the Shidaa Cultural Troup in 1989. At age 17 he joined the Dance Factory Company at the National Theater of Ghana in 1997, one of the most sought-after performance ensembles in Ghana. When in London in 2000, he performed with the Brekete Drum and Dance Ensemble.

While touring with the Brekete Ensemble, drummer, dancer, and choreographer Theo Martey, formulated the idea to create the Akwaaba Ensemble in 2002.  The Akwaaba Ensemble's energetic and engaging performances are a reflection of their name, which means 'welcome' in the Twi language of the Ashanti tribe of Ghana. At each performance the Ensemble brings West African drumming and dance to vivid life, holding sway with the rich and subtle rhythmic patterns and styles specific to different tribal groups of West Africa.

In addition to his on stage experience, Theo is an accomplished teacher of African drumming and dance and has receive numerous grants from the NH State Art Council to teach school residencies and workshops in dozens of schools in New Hampshire. He enjoys working in a variety of settings, with children and adults, making music, teaching rhythms and songs, and telling the stories behind the songs and the Ga's tribe. He has performed for and taught children at dozens of schools throughout the United Kingdom and the United States.

He currently teaches drumming and dancing for adults at Murphy's Boxing Gym in Manchester, NH. Whether he is onstage performing or leading a workshop, Theo's goal is to share the art and play of African percussive music and dance. Theo and the Akwaaba Ensemble recorded their first Album, “AKWAABA WELCOME HOME” in 2008.