The Sunday Mail
REGGAE-DANCEHALL’S most sought-after entertainer Christopher Martin has promised to lift the bar higher than levels set by fellow Jamaicans Beenie Man and Busy Signal when he performs in Zimbabwe on April 29.
The 29-year-old will headline the Together as One concert at Glamis Arena in Harare.
Organised by local promoters, the show also features a selection of top local acts, namely Winky D, Jah Prayzah, Ninja Lipsy, Silverstone, Stone Love, Fyah Links, Legendary, Mighty Ducks, Stan Splash, Digital One and Majestic 3.
In an interview last week, Martin told The Sunday Mail Leisure: “I’m excited, so excited to be coming to Zimbabwe, it’s a wonderful thing being in a country with a different vibe. People on different social media networks have been supportive of my work and asking from Zimbabwe when am I going to come and it’s such a wonderful thing to finally be able to visit. It’s so fulfilling, I can’t wait.”
The charismatic singer has to prepare for the sometimes hard to please Zimbabwean audience.
Besides that, the on-fire Winky D aka Gaffa can create problems for visitors on any day. Apart from his pulsating live performances, the Gaffa’s hit song “Disappear” has enjoyed success on BBC Radio 1’s “Extra Destination Africa Top 5”.
And Winky D’s manager Jonathan Banda trusts they are always prepared for a challenge. Chris Martin has his work cut out for him.
“We always humble ourselves and let ingenuity take precedence, that is how best we interact with stakeholders. The shows always add value in a progressive way. We have shared the stage with big names before and we have managed to hold our own in all the cases. This is more like a learning curve but we will be at our usual best and I’m sure you know what that means,” said Banda.
Some of Martin’s countrymen have left the nation with egg on their faces after failing to rise to the occasion.
The talented and decorated Jamaican singer argues he has been to Africa before thus the task to guarantee fans satisfaction at the Glamis Arena this Friday, April 29 is not going to be a challenge. He adds that he has in the past months or so been inundated with requests from local fans urging him to visit Harare.
Chris Martin has performed all over, and set a precedent for newcomers when he was invited to perform at “One Night with Michael Bolton” and at the 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz Festival.
The singer is enjoying a purple patch driven by the success of early hits that include “Nah Go Change”, “Take My Wings”, “Giving It” and the singles “Jamaican Girls” and “Gallis” featuring Busy Signal.
Statistics from a leading sound movement Judgement Yard, social media platforms and gigs reflect a balance of interest from fans.
According to Judgement Yard survey, Chris Martin’s love songs theme is mostly embraced by women and uptown folk, though he is also generally appreciated in the ghetto.
“I have been to Africa before. I have been to Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda but this will be my first time in Zimbabwe. The reception I got in the other African countries I visited before was great and I don’t expect Zimbabwe to be any different because the message is the same and it’s like we are coming back home to an extended family of the motherland,” noted Chris Martin in the interview.
And the decision by the chanter to jet in early for the gig is clear testimony that apart from music he also wants to spend quality time off the stage.
Event organisers have indicated that a few lucky advance ticket holders will win a chance to wine and dine with the superstar before the big day.
Martin arrives in the country this Thursday with a 10-member band.
“I’m looking forward to being in Harare on April 29 at the Together as One concert and I’m looking forward to visiting different clubs,” said Chris Martin, adding, “It will be good sharing the stage with some of the best talent from that side, I will sing all the good songs.”
Apart from thrilling fans, the international superstar is also expected to give tips to local dancehall acts on how best to breakthrough on the global scene.
Chris Martin has a humble beginning that most Zim dancehall artistes can easily identify with.
“I was in high school and I entered a talent competition, ‘Digicel Rising Stars’ here in Jamaica and somewhere along the line I ended up winning the competition in 2005 and that is when I decided to venture into music full-time. Before that I never wanted to be a singer. I only had love for dramatic arts and partly sports. Through hard work you can achieve anything.”
One of the Together as One organisers, Barbara “Mai Red Rose” Chikosi, urged fans to buy advance tickets to avoid the usual last minute rush that creates chaos at venues.
“We would like to advise those that wish to attend the show to buy advance tickets, they are cheaper. At least this will guarantee a smooth flow on the day. Advance tickets are already selling at various points for US$10 but it will be US$15 and US$20 VIP at the gate,” explained Mai Red Rose.
Chris Martin has worked with a number of top producers in the reggae arena including Robert Livingston (Big Yard), Arif Cooper, Shane Brown and Christopher Birch. 2008 was a productive year for singer/songwriter as he was nominated for numerous awards, including The Jamaica Observer Teenage Choice Award and Excellence in Music and Entertainment, an achievement which has secured longevity.
His offerings include “Melody To My Song”, “On the Good Love Rhythm” produced by Baby G, “She Never Listens” featuring Dermaco produced by Star Kutt, “Watch Me Lord”, by Ariff Cooper on the Fresh Ear Label.
In addition to those, Chris Martin has the hit “Vibe is Right”, on the Street Bullies Medley produced by Tony Kelly as well as “Real Friends” featuring Agent Sasco formerly Assassin and D-Major by TJ Records.
