J Martins silently rose from being just a “local” highlife singer, to becoming a “pan-African” artist, embracing the whole of Africa, penetrating into the depths and taking over, country by country. And slowly, he became a household name, all over Africa. What makes it very interesting is, he ain’t even a pop artist, as he does what has been often tagged Urban Highlife.
While his last effort, “Authentic” (his fourth studio album), might not be as big as some albums released by veterans, lately, it is actually authentic, and on it the Abia-native puts on the whole of Africa (once again). With collaborations with artists, far and wide. There was Ycee, Vector, Koffi, Phyno, Ferre Gola, Waje, Zoro and DJ Arafat. Showing just how good J. Martins is at collabos, and Embracing Africa. Songs like “Ekelebe,” “Ikwusigo” and “Dance 4 Me,” still made waves, that year, anyway.
Born Martins Okechukwu Joshua, the 40-year-old is a veteran, and although he’s been popular before then, he got serious with this music thing with his 2008 debut, “Get Serious,” which spun many hits including his popular “Good Or Bad.” That album announced him, and made everyone take him serious.
In his decade-long professional career, he’s made a number of hits, including “Oyoyo,” “Cool Temper,” “Jukpa” and “Good Or Bad.” And even tho’ Wizkid‘s number of hits might dwarf his, his impact on the music scene, and the pop culture can’t be overlooked.
History will have it that, long before there was Adekunle Gold, there was an Igbo man who did urban highlife. And above all embraced the African heritage (before Yemi Alade was Mama Afrique). He is a UN Ambassador for peace, too. His name, J. Martins!
Listen & Download Oyoyo Mp3 by J martins below
Audio PlayerListen & Download Cool Temper Mp3 by J martins below:
Audio PlayerListen & Download Good or Bad Mp3 by J martins ft Psquare and Timaya below:
Audio Player