“My Mother Sent the Police to Arrest Me Because I Chose Music” _ Olive Theboy 

Olive Theboy, born Joel Ofori Bonsu, recently clinched the “Afrobeats Song Of The Year” award at the 25th TGMA, a testament to his rising star in the music industry. However, his path to success was far from straightforward, marked by familial strife and personal sacrifices.

In an in-depth interview with Nana Romeo on Accra FM, Olive Theboy opened up about the turbulent early days of his musical career. His passion for music began during his time at Opoku Ware Senior High School, where he was a standout science student. Despite his academic promise, Olive’s heart was set on music, leading him to frequently skip classes to spend time in the recording studio.

This pursuit of his dream did not sit well with his mother. Concerned about his future and baffled by his seeming disregard for education, she once considered having the police intervene to curb his truancy. Olive recalls, “My mom couldn’t understand why a brilliant science student would waste time on music. It got to the point where she wanted to have me arrested to scare me straight.”

Despite these tensions, Olive remained undeterred. He secretly released his first EP in 2021, during his final year of senior high school. His family’s reaction was initially hostile, filled with threats and attempts to dissuade him from continuing on his chosen path. However, persistence and open communication eventually won them over. “It wasn’t pleasant at first, but over time, we had discussions that helped them see my perspective. Now, my mom is one of my biggest supporters,” he shared.

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Olive’s determination has paid off. Since becoming a mainstream artist in 2023, he has amassed a dedicated fan base and achieved significant milestones in his career. Balancing his academic aspirations with his musical ambitions, Olive is currently enrolled at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), studying Metallurgical Engineering. Nevertheless, he has decided to defer his studies to concentrate fully on his music career, a decision reflecting his unwavering commitment to his art.

Olive Theboy’s story is one of resilience and passion, underscoring the often challenging journey of pursuing a creative career against conventional expectations. His transformation from a student facing potential arrest to an award-winning artist is a compelling narrative of following one’s dreams despite formidable obstacles.