Theo Nii Martey also known as (Emperor T-Jiga) is a talented artist who was born in Accra Ghana, West Africa. Theo is a Songwriter, Recording Artist, Producer, Performer, Teaching Artist, Award recipient of the 2019 Governor’s Arts Award for Arts Education and he was featured on New Hampshire Magazine who’s it for 2019 It list. His vibrant artist residencies give students an opportunity to experience hands-on West African drumming and a variety of dance styles. He has been on the Arts Council’s juried Arts Education Roster since 2005. He has taught and performed African drumming, dancing and music in Ghana, United Kingdom, 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. While touring with the Brekete Ensemble, 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 he 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. 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 release their first Album, “AKWAABA WELCOME HOME” in 2008 and he released his solo album Jei Elaaje wo (Lost in the world) in 2012 and he release three singles title Saka Saka, Pretty Jeniki and Kilode in 2021.Specialties: • Solo & Ensemble Performances• Arts in Education Residencies• Highlife Music Performance for all occasions • Drumming and Dancing Workshops & Presentations