Meet Theophilus Nii "Theo" Martey

Theo with African percussion, wearing traditional patterned Kente cloth.

Theophilus Nii Martey is a talented artist who was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. He has taught and performed African drumming and dancing in Ghana, England, and the United States.

At the age of 7, Theo began performing with the Shidaa Cultural group in Bukom Accra. At age 18 he joined the National Dance Factory, one of the most sought-after performance ensembles in Ghana. When in London, he performs with the Brekete Cultural Group. He also frequently performs with groups in Michigan and New York, including Gballoi the Prophet, an ensemble formed by a group of friends in Schenectady, New York.

In addition to his on stage experience, Theo is an accomplished teacher of African drumming and dance. 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 dance at the Boys and Girls Club, and leads workshops 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.

Follow this link to read Theo's profile at the NH State Council on the Arts website.

Participants in Akwaaba workshops say:

"Theo is an upbeat performer and teacher. He includes everyone in the fun of drumming and dancing and inspires confidence among even the most timid. African drumming and dance with Theo is a great way to bring a group together and get everyone involved." -Abby Easterly, Manchester, NH