Theo Martey

Theophilus Nii Martei "Theo" Martey (born December 11, 1980), also known professionally as Emperor T-Jiga, is a Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter, drummer, dancer, music teacher, and music producer. Martey has led over 5000 music workshops throughout New England and Beyond. As Emperor T-Jiga, he has released singles such as "Saka Saka," "Pretty Jeniki," "Kilode," "Yeloi," You're My Baby,""Sugar and "Super Star." He has received one Ghana Music Award USA for Best International Collaboration and three additional Ghana Music Award USA nominations.

Early life Martey was born in Jamestown Accra, Ghana, into a family of 16 children with a father who served in the military in Ghana. Martey began performing at the age of 6. At the age of 17, he began performing with the Dance Factory Company at the National Theater of Ghana. He formed the group while he was touring with the Brekete Ensemble in London. In the same year, he was appointed to the New Hampshire Art Council's Arts Education Roster. For his work as a music teacher, Martey received the Governor's Arts Award for Arts Education from the New Hampshire government in 2019.

Martey released the single "Kilode," which featured Young Freezy/Cabrinny, under the name Emperor T-Jiga in 2021. As Emperor T-Jiga, he also released the song "Yeloi," which was nominated for Best Music Video of the Year award at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards USA. He released the single "Sugar" in 2023. In 2024, Martey and the Akwaaba Ensemble also performed at the Derryfield School in Manchester, New Hampshire in celebration of Black History Month.

Personal life Martey is married to Katy Easterly Martey. They have two children, Theo Korley and Sarafina. Best International Collaboration 2022 Ghana Music Awards USA "Kilode (feat. Young Freezy)" Won US-Based Afropop Song of the Year 2022 Ghana Music Awards USA "Kilode (feat. Young Freezy)" Nominated Afropop/Afrobeat Song of the Year 2024 Ghana Music Awards USA "Sugar" Nominated

Discography

Albums (with Akwaaba Ensemble)