I simply cannot say enough positive things about Theo Martey and The Akwaaba Ensemble. Their performance at The Derryfield School was outstanding. For an entire hour, they had the whole school enthralled with their extraordinary musical skills. Perhaps most importantly, they were particularly conscientious of incorporating audience participation into their show, which heightened the fun for everyone! Lastly, I would like to add that it was a sincere pleasure working with Theo Martey. He–and the entire band–were professional in every aspect during the run-up to the performance and on the day itself. Book the The Akwaaba Ensemble! You won’t regret it.
~Brandon K. Gauthier Ph.D.
Director of Global Education
The Derryfield School
While witnessing the wonders of the Akwaaba Ensemble, I was grasped by its music in its entirety. The drumming was encompassing and led a rhythm that reverberated throughout the auditorium. Students, faculty, and staff were charged with a sense of energy from the instruments and the vocals as well. In many ways, the energy of the Akwaaba Ensemble created a collective heartbeat within each one of us, synchronous in providing vitality and power for that very heartbeat to continue pumping beyond the performance of the Akwaaba Ensemble. In what seemed to be an expected Monday morning, the Akwaaba Ensemble, in sharing the music of Ghana’s vibrant culture, created lasting unity to an auditorium filled with the diversity of each individual.
~LM, 12th Grade
The Derryfield School
The Akwaaba Ensemble’s performance was a unique and enriching experience that connected our community through music. From the energetic dances to the elaborate drumlines, the Akwaaba Ensemble exemplified the joys of African heritage through the high-spirited, talented, and enjoyable music they shared on the stage. The energy they brought to the stage with every instrument was truly contagious and thus allowed the entire community to celebrate their culture together while having a great time.
~JM, 10th Grade
The Derryfield School
Thanks for the amazing uplifting evening filled with love, happiness and peace uplifted with music. The energy in the room was contagious. You are truly an amazing group of individuals thank you for traveling to Vermont to share your stories and your music. Would love to see you again someday.
~ Ben (Google Review)
Had the privilege of seeing them today at the First Congregational Church in Wolfboro, NH. Beautiful drumming, lovely people, a good time had by all.
~Emily (Google Review)
We saw these guys at the Dartmouth HOP Center today. They were fabulous, and loved by kids and adults alike. We hope to see them again for more drumming, singing, and dancing.
~Google Review
Spirited and fun!! Thank you!
~Andrew (Google Review)
The Akwaaba Ensemble brought energy and excitement to the Chester College campus. They performed before students, parents, community members and faculty. They received acclaim from all. It was one of the best performances ever on our campus.
~Bob Baines, President, Chester College of New England
Akwaaba was high energy, colorful, inspiring, and dynamic!
Akwaaba added a powerful and thrilling dimension to our collaborative performances.
Theo Martey is a brilliant educator and performer – we couldn’t help but MOVE!~Dan Perkins, Music Director: Manchester Choral Society, NH Master Chorale, Plymouth St. Univ Choirs
Theo Martey and the Akwaaba Traditional African Drum & Dance Ensemble are an amazing and very powerful group of drummers, dancers and singers. Their educational and highly entertaining performances are bound to make everyone want to dance and sing! I highly recommend them for any occasion and celebration.
~Randy Armstrong, Composer, Performer & Recording Artist, Councilor-NH State Council on the Arts
Theo and the Akwaaba Ensemble gave a performance that warmed up the audience despite a blinding snowstorm in Bethel! Akwaaba gives the audience a unique look into the world of music and dance of Ghana that is both enlightening and energetic.
~Linda Gamble, Mahoosuc Arts Council, Bethel, ME
We decided our students would love the drumming and dancing, and we got them (Akwaaba Ensemble) here, and they’ve been fantastic, said music teacher Joanne Willemsen. Everyone’s been able to participate in some way.
The kids are loving it. They’re really tuned in and they love to see these guys walking around the school, she continued. These guys are energetic, enthusiastic. They’re really knowledgeable about what they are doing, and they seem to really enjoy working with kids.
~Ryan O’Connor, Bow Times Newspaper
UNH Manchester was pleased to host the Akwaaba Ensemble at their campus. Their music and energy drew one of our biggest crowds yet. The feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Once you hear their music, you can’t resist to move.
~Kim Wall, Public Relations Coordinator, University of NH
When the Akwaaba Drum & Dance Ensemble performed in colorful African clothing at Laconia Multicultural Market Day….they were all so alive – such warm, people-loving kind of musicians. I love how they had everyone up and dancing to their exciting rhythms – from the toddlers to the teens to the elders. In no time, they had the audience looking comfortable dancing, like they knew what they were doing and having a ball. Their warmth radiated with their smiles as well as their drums.
~Dorothy Duffy, Entertainment Chair, Laconia Multicultural Market Day
