"Tayo was born in London and spent three years at the 'Activists' Youth Theatre based at the Royal Court Theatre. After moving to Manchester, he worked at the Royal Exchange in a variety of jobs ranging from actor to usher, technician to lottery ticket seller, over the past eight years. He has worked as Musical Director for many companies including the Royal Exchange, Sheffield Crucible, Red Ladder, M6, Manchester Youth Theatre and Avon Touring Company. He also worked at Nottingham Playhouse and on a Community Project in Walsall with Andrew Hay. Tayo has played in many bands including Linda & the Genitals, the almost legendary Walter and the Softies and Colin Thorpe. His ambition is to write a musical for the National Theatre of Java."  ~ Programme biography, Comedy of Errors, Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 1989

"He also played with Distant Cousins supporting Lisa Stansfield on tour. ~ Programme biography, Titus Andronicus, Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 1989

In 1983, the Manchester Youth Theatre asked Akinbode to write the music for their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which led him into a whole new occupation.