With his melodious voice, DTone Martins is often referred to as the Kati Kati master. Island Explorer caught up with him after a show at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
How did your journey into music begin? It started back in 1997, when I followed in the footsteps of my father, Tunde Martins, who was a Jazz musician. He advised me to widen my knowledge of music and musical instruments if I really wanted to pursue music as a career. Since then, I have been trying to follow that advice. Meanwhile, my mother was a member of the choir and also very much in love with music. Fortunately, up until now my efforts have all paid off and I can call myself a songwriter, guitarist, producer and singer.
Can you share some of your most memorable experiences? It has been a real adventure. I have played with Jazz 38, the band of Tunde Kuboye, and I was fortunate enough to meet him. Now I am acknowledged as a professional musician, but even as an up-and-coming artiste, I received some great recognition. For exam- ple, I participated in West Africa Idol, the Black Heritage Festival and the Coca-Cola Road to the World Cup. I have also taken part in Felabration twice. At Rhythm Unplugged 2008, I emerged as the first runner-up, and
I was at the re-branding of Ondo state on the invitation of the State Governor. I have also been to many other high profile events. I’ve experienced a lot and I regret nothing. Even as a young artiste, I think I inspire many people with my music, including established musicians.
When can we expect your new album? Pretty soon. We’re now working on the EP of ‘Sun Kun Ife’ and ‘Ife Gbagbara’, which are enjoying a lot of airplay, and I also have a video coming out soon for ‘Katikati’. It’s a very direct and catchy song that has been around for a long time now. Many would even say it is my best song ever.
People say you’re the male Asa and compare you with Bez and Praiz. What is your take on this? I’ve been hearing that. I take it as a compliment because they are great representatives of Nigerian music. However, I hope that as time goes by people realise I have my own image and identity and that there is more coming out of this country. We produce the same genre of music, Soul, which is why we’re
compared, but I think we are still different. I infuse my soul music – with a bit of Africa, that is why mine is called Afrique Soul. They have their brands, I have mine. It’s just like saying that the music of 2Face and Faze is the same or Whizkid and Wande Coal.
Are there any Nigerian artists that you would like to collaborate with? I’d say 2Face, Asa and Lagbaja. A collaboration with Lagbaja would be a kind of musical experiment and it would be a dream come true. Outside Nigeria, I’d like to collaborate with Angelique Kidjo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Akon, and also with Indian Aire, D’Angelou and R Kelly.
What do you most enjoy about the island of Lagos? I like the island for the building and business activities, as well as the high-profile individuals that live and transact business here. I like Lekki, VGC, which is very co-ordinated, and Ikoyi, because it is very quiet and mature. The island is usually a beauty to behold at night.
What you are attracted to? Beautiful ladies, but that’s normal for a guy! (laughs). I’m also attracted to goodwill; I like it when I am able to do something for the future and affect people positively. It’s like sowing a seed. I also like meeting humble people because I am, and will be until the day I die. I like people who are calm-headed and straightforward. I also like money (laughs) – everybody does!
Have you had any particularly naughty experiences? My naughtiest experience was when a fan met me in a tricycle, a Keke Maruwa. I was heading for a show and had to get there by any means. I was a little ashamed that a fan saw me in such a circumstance and he couldn’t believe he was in the tricycle with me.
What do you want your name to be synonymous with? The king of Afrique-Soul, just as Fela Anikulapo-kuti is known as the Afrobeat king and Lagbaja is known with Africalpso. My main aim now is to export my music to an international audience. I sing Afrique- soul and I want this part of the world to be appreciated for its brilliance. I want everyone to see that great music can still come out of this country.
DTONE MARTINS SUN KUN IFE ALBUM OUT SOON IN YOUR LOCAL MUSIC STORES AND ON iTUNES.
WWW.ISLANDEXPLORERNG.COM | JANUARY - MARCH 2012 | ISLAND EXPLORER | 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44