Christopher Martin (singer)

Christopher Oteng Martin (born 14 February 1987) is a reggae/dancehall singer and songwriter from St. Catherine, Jamaica. Martin won Digicel's Rising Stars in 2005 (the Jamaican version of American Idol). He is best known for the songs "Cheaters Prayer", "I'm a Big Deal", "Let Her Go", "Is It Love", and "Dreams of Brighter Days".[1]

Christopher Martin
Christopher Martin in concert at Reggae Geel 2022
Christopher Martin in concert at Reggae Geel 2022
Background information
Also known asChris Martin
Born14 February 1987 (1987-02-14) (age 37)
OriginSt. Catherine, Jamaica
GenresReggae, dancehall, reggae fusion
Years active2005 (2005)–present
LabelsVP Records

Biography edit

Born in Back Pasture, St. Catherine, 14 February 1987, to Cleveland and Maxine Martin, Martin attended the Watermount All-Age School[2] and later went on to St. Jago High School. There, he developed a love for dramatic arts and sports. He graduated in 2003.[3]

Two years later he won the Digicel Rising Stars title in 2005.[4] After after this Martin participated in Digicel's 2005 Christmas promotion. After his debut single "Love Is All We Need," part of the promotional campaign, was released he became the first Digicel Rising Stars Alumni to have a hit on the charts in Jamaica.

His releases include: "Nah Go Change", "Take My Wings", "Tonight", "Giving It", and the singles "Jamaican Girls" and "Gallis" featuring Busy Signal. He has worked with a number of top producers in reggae and dancehall including Robert Livingston(Big Yard), Arif Cooper, Shane Brown(Jukeboxx) and Christopher Birch.

Martin has performed numerous stage shows across Jamaica and was notably invited to perform at One Night with Michael Bolton and at the 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz Festival. In 2008 Martin was nominated for The Jamaica Observer Teenage Choice Awards and Excellence in Music and Entertainment. The song "Melody to My Song" was released on Good Love Rhythm, produced by Baby G. The song "She Never Listens" featuring Demarco was produced by Star Kutt, and "Watch Me Lord" was produced by Ariff Cooper and released on the Fresh Ear label. In addition to those, Martin appeared on "Vibe Is Right" on the Street Bullies Medley produced by Tony Kelly as well as "Real Friends" featuring Agent Sassco (formerly Assassin) and D-Major, released via T.J Records.

In 2013, Martin signed to VP Records.[5] In April 2016, he toured Zimbabwe and performed live on stage alongside D'Major and several Zimbabwean singers, including Winky D. This show took place at Glamis Arena in Harare.

Personal life edit

Martin was romantically linked with Ce' cile from 2010 to 2014 and they are the parents of a daughter, Christiyana, born in 2012.[6][7]

Discography edit

 
Christopher Martin in concert at Reggae Geel 2022

Albums edit

  • Big Deal (2017)[8]
  • And Then (2019)[9]

Extended Playlist (EP) edit

  • Steppin Razaor (2015)[10]

References edit

  1. ^ "PROFILE - Christopher Martin". The Jamaica Star. 12 May 2010. Archived from the original on 16 May 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  2. ^ "Chris Martin tiles floors of boyhood school". jamaica-star.com. 2 August 2018. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  3. ^ Jackson, Kevin (18 November 2022). "Brazil for the win, says Chris Martin". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  4. ^ Ashman, Tamoy (28 July 2022). "Digicel's 'Rising Stars': Where are they now? - Our Today". Our Today - (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  5. ^ Misani, Nick (5 September 2013). "Christopher Martin signs with VP Records". New York Amsterdam News. Retrieved 14 August 2020. Jamaican singer Christopher Martin, the new face at VP Records, is all set to combine music and charisma as he blots the ink of his recently signed deal,
  6. ^ Baugh, Claudine (20 April 2023). "Former Couple Ce'Cile, Christopher Martin Have 'No Expectations' In New Collab". DanceHallMag. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  7. ^ "WATCH: 10-y-o Christiyana Martin wins silver for Jamaica in gymnastics". Jamaica Observer. 22 December 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  8. ^ "Christopher Martin - Big Deal". AllMusic.
  9. ^ "Christopher Martin - And Then". AllMusic.
  10. ^ "REVIEW: Christopher Martin - Steppin' Razor EP". Worldareggae. 5 October 2015.