Theo Yaw Boakye, professionally known as TyB, is a Juno Award–winning artist and a pioneering figure in Canada’s African music scene, with a career spanning over three decades. Born into a musically gifted Ashanti family in Ghana, Theo’s artistic journey was shaped early on by his father, John Boakye, a drumming instructor at the University of Ghana’s School of Drama, and his mother, Agnes, a vocalist in the local Anglican Church choir. This rich cultural upbringing laid the foundation for Theo’s exceptional talents in drumming and singing, which would later define his contributions to African music in North America.

After relocating from Montreal to Toronto, Theo completed a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Concordia University and enrolled in an Administrative Law program at Seneca College. Balancing a professional career with an active presence in the entertainment industry, he founded several influential musical groups, including Afram (Montreal), Wanna Wazuri (Toronto), and Nakupenda, collaborating with Ghanaian legends such as Pat Thomas and Jewel Ackah. Following Nakupenda’s dissolution in the 1990s, Theo became the lead vocalist for Highlife Stars, solidifying his role in Toronto’s vibrant Ghanaian Highlife movement.

His solo career flourished alongside his collaborative work, most notably as a member of the African Guitar Summit, a pan-African ensemble formed by CBC producer Todd Fraracci. The group won a Juno Award in 2005 and received another nomination in 2006, with a standout performance at Live 8 in Barrie alongside icons like Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Run DMC, Deep Purple, and other notable artists.

Driven by a passion for African and Caribbean music, Theo later founded LuvBay Afrobeat Music Talk Radio, an online platform dedicated to amplifying voices from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora.