TOBY ANBAKE
BORN TO RAP
Written by: Peterson Dorsainvil APRIL 30, 2026
The Story of a Genius with Rap in His Blood
Instrumentalist, drummer, singer and rapper, Toby Anbakè is one of those artists with many talents. However, he chose rap as the foundation of his artistic career.
Owen Martinez Fava, known as Toby Anbakè, was born on November 3, 1990, in Port-au-Prince. At the age of three, due to his father Jean Sylvestre Fava’s transfer, a member of the former Haitian Armed Forces, he moved to Cap-Haïtien. His story unfolds between the capital and his mother’s hometown, where he grew up and gradually discovered what would become his life’s passion.
Music was always close to Owen. With an aunt who sang in the church choir and his grandfather Toby, a troubadour guitarist, the arts were constantly present in his life. Because of his striking resemblance to his grandfather, people nicknamed him Toby, a name that naturally stuck. He made his first mark in the children’s choir of the Adventist church of Bethany in Cap Haïtien, showing early promise like a young prodigy.
From a young age, Toby observed, felt and wrote. In school, he played with words, writing poems for girls he admired. At the same time, he was a good student and later pursued computer science studies at UNIQUA. Everything seemed set until he chose to give it all up for rap. It was a difficult decision, especially with a conservative family, but for him it was both a dream and a necessity. He believed freedom of thought is a right everyone should have.
His true breakthrough came as a teenager on stage during an event called Hot Saturday, while he was in 9th grade. That day, a new Toby was born, the star.
Later, Toby joined Collabo True MCs, where he released his first track Sa pi cho. In 2010, he went solo. His career truly took off with the release of Anbakè. The song gained traction and the name stuck. He became Toby Anbakè.
Determined to succeed, Toby worked relentlessly, performing and recording consistently. Over time, he crafted his identity through a mix of styles, emotions and life experiences. He moved fluidly between rap and kompa, always with his unique voice. Along the way, he also worked as a radio host at Paradis FM.
Throughout his career, Toby joined several labels, though none lasted long. Fortunately, he chose independence and took control of his own path.
Today, he has one of the most impressive discographies among Haitian rappers. He has collaborated with artists like Wendyyy, Mechans-T, Steves J. Bryan and Vanessa Désiré. Some of his hit songs include Yo di m pa ka zanmi fi, Ou fè m anvi viv, Happy Birthday and Forever Young. In 2025, he made a major impact with Nothing To Lose and Still Nothing To Lose, his first album released in two versions simultaneously. Long awaited by fans, the project was seen as a bold move, but it confirmed his confidence as an artist. Toby Anbakè’s story is that of a young man who chose to believe in himself, even when it was not easy. And to this day, he continues to move forward with the same mission, to make rap and to say something meaningful. He also appeared alongside Blaze One on the Rap sou Rap panel on the podcast Artbeat Caribbean, delivering an outstanding show.
Today, he has one of the most impressive discographies among Haitian rappers. He has collaborated with artists like Wendyyy, Mechans-T, Steves J. Bryan and Vanessa Désiré. Some of his hit songs include Yo di m pa ka zanmi fi, Ou fè m anvi viv, Happy Birthday and Forever Young. In 2025, he made a major impact with Nothing To Lose and Still Nothing To Lose, his first album released in two versions simultaneously. Long awaited by fans, the project was seen as a bold move, but it confirmed his confidence as an artist. Toby Anbakè’s story is that of a young man who chose to believe in himself, even when it was not easy. And to this day, he continues to move forward with the same mission, to make rap and to say something meaningful. He also appeared alongside Blaze One on the Rap sou Rap panel on the podcast Artbeat Caribbean, delivering an outstanding show.
Peterson Dorsainvil
Writer