Theo can draw comfort from cultural community’s support

Groove Tube with Cian O’Connell

Theophilus Ndlovu is one of Galway’s most original performers – even if he’s found himself in the media spotlight for different reasons over the last couple of weeks.  Heading a burgeoning city hip hop scene under the moniker Touché, Theo has spent the last couple of years organising and collaborating on a series of ambitious projects and performing at events around Ireland. His presence on stage is vibrant and energetic and his work off of it is full of passion and creativity.

Having come to Ireland seeking asylum in 2016, Theo has lived in direct provision for the past three and a half years. He has thrown himself into his music and his impact on the Galway community has been profound.

Despite the success and support he has found within that culture, Theo is now facing an imminent deportation order.

The last few weeks have been undoubtedly difficult for the Zimbabwe native but his attitude has remained positive and he is buoyed by the reaction of the musicians that have watched him grow as an artist in this city.

“It’s been mind-blowing,” Theo says of the support. “When I first got here, I found a different type of hip hop – a different type of music. Genres alone – it’s full of guitar players and indie singers.

“Galway is amazing and the music is amazing but I wanted to do something different from the heart. It was kind of challenging. I had to go to open mics and do different things to get involved with a lot of different organisations but it’s ended up well.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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