Ty: poet, MC and music maestro arrives in Newcastle to promote his new album 'Upwards'.

Sample the various flavours and eclectic style of this conscious, hip hop innovator.

As part of his current sweep across venues in the UK and Europe (as well as playing a number of major festivals), he'll be performing songs from his all important second album.

Using a live band and decks, TY fuses together on stage the record's different sounds - from rap to jazz and funk to African beats.

Ty has also taking time to collaborate with a variety of musicians including Fela Kuti's drummer Tony Allen and Blur's Damon Albarn.

African Raps

Ty, who's London born of Nigerian parents, reflects both his African and English heritage and influences, in his work.

As a boy, Ty was a 'secret hip hop listener', as his mother didn't approve.

Ty: secret hip-hop listener

Ty missed out on actively participating in the London hip hop scene in the 80's, but made up for this deprivation by joining the urban music scene, more as a dancer than an MC.

Over the past 30 years, rap, worldwide, has diversified to such an extent.

Across Africa, home grown rap and hip-hop is producing some innovative talent which has revolutionised contemporary African music.

Awkward Start

Ty released his first album, Awkward, at a period of great times and great disappointments.

The result is a recording which shines with emotion. Ty, himself, describes Awkward as much a soul album (in the traditional sense) as a hip hop record.

Ty has moved through this period and is now ready to show other angles of himself.

Although Ty is eager to state that he is not a poet, he has long been involved in the spoken word/poetry scene.

He has taken lessons from this experience which set him apart from the norm.