Mercurial Martins

After raising the roof during a concert in Nairobi, Nigeria’s mellow-voiced singer-cum-producer Martins Okey Justice aka J Martins — the man behind the success of many top stars — talks to STEVENS MUENDO about his slow but steady rise to the top

Pulse: You are arguably one of Africa’s fastest rising stars whose significant role in the success of award-winning P Square duo cannot be underestimated. How comes you have maintained a low profile especially in media?

J Martins: Well, I think it is more of an individual thing because I don’t believe in propaganda. I live a normal life and it has been working well for me. My relationship with P Square is more of a family thing and I can tell you that these guys actually gave me their back to ride on. I’m not the only artiste that they have worked with, but the fact that I have kept it real means that I also know what I want for myself. Above all, I will give much glory to God for His grace. After all, I’m not the only hardworking artiste, but His grace has kept me waxing strong by the day.

P: Does your personal music success get overshadowed by the fame of the big names you collabo with?

JM: I don’t think so. I’m simply myself and that is it.

P: How was it growing up and eventually working with big showbiz names like P Square?

JM: It has been great. Like I said earlier, we are one family and I will ever be grateful to them. Paul and Peter and big brother Jude Okoye have been supportive.

P: Critics argue that as much as you are a great singer, much of your focus has been on recording other artistes and helping them grow. What significance is this to your showbiz career spanning over eight years?

Martins Okey Justice

JM: It has always been part of my priority to impact positively on ambitious people. I work only with those who have what it takes to be good artistes. I see myself as a more successful person by helping other people achieve their dreams.

P: You haven’t claimed as many awards as your counterparts in Nigeria. Is it that you do not enter competitions?

JM: Well, I’m not really an awards person. The best award I get is when I perform and my fans appreciate my music. I have a big fan base both at home and abroad and that is the biggest thing in my career.

P: African showbiz stars are now claiming their place in international scene while doing collaborations, for example D’Banj and Snoop Doggy Dogg. What is your strategy in this new shift?

JM: A couple of international artistes have approached me for collaboration but honestly speaking, I won’t do collaboration with anybody simply because he is an international star. I would rather work with artistes who can complement my music.

P: Your singles Oyoyo, Iva, Good or Bad, Believe off your album Elevated has catapulted you to greater heights. Share with us about the making of the album.

JM: It is just like making any other album but I will give all the Glory to God for crowning my efforts.

P: Good or Bad and Believe were received well in Nairobi. Did you know that you were a big name here before visiting Kenya?

JM: Not really. I was actually surprised that they could sing along. That means we have been doing a good job and by the grace of God, I will not let them down. Kenyans are wonderful and I love them.

P: How would you describe your music?

JM: My music has no category, I just do good music.

P: You featured Kenya’s Wyre in your single Kudi, which other Kenyan artistes do you plan to work with?

JM: A couple of them are actually in line, but I would not want to let the cat out of the bag now. Keep your fingers crossed.

　

P: Tell us about your background and the challenges you faced before making your breakthrough.

JM: I’m the third child in a family of seven. I’m from the Eastern part of Nigeria, Abia State to be precise. The challenges I faced are just like many other upcoming artistes especially the financial aspect of the game.