Chronicle Editor
Fred Zindi Music
At the end of 2015, reggae fans were filled with anticipation for the now cancelled Morgan Heritage concert which had been advertised for December 31. A couple of friends from Zambia were extremely disappointed as they had booked flights from Lusaka particularly for the show.
Biggie Chinoperekwei of Divine Assignments who was responsible for this concert had promised Morgan Heritage fans that the show would take place, but this did not happen.
I spoke to Biggie last week to see if plans for the show were still in the pipeline. “No, because apart from the band being too large, 16 people in all, who all live in separate countries like France, Jamaica and the US, they were also demanding that the tour should be co-ordinated with five other African countries. We couldn’t find any serious partners in other African countries to team up with. So we decided to call it off”, he said.
So, no Morgan Heritage performance in Zimbabwe.
Morgan Heritage is a reggae band formed in 1994 by five children of reggae artiste Denroy Morgan, namely Peter “Peetah”, Una, Roy “Gramps”, Nakhamyah “Lukes” and Memmalatel “Mr Mojo”.
As one can see, Morgan Heritage is a family affair.
Zimbabweans and the rest of the African continent who are all familiar with Morgan Heritage’s spiritually-inclined “Don’t Haffi Dread To Be Rasta” would have experienced a thriller on New Year’s Eve.
As can be seen, Morgan Heritage is a very experienced group. If Busy Signal was a thriller when he performed last year in Zimbabwe, then Morgan Heritage would have been a double thriller.
However, Zimbabweans have found a way to compensate the non-appearance of Morgan Heritage in the form of Christopher Martin (not to be confused with Chris Martin of Cold-Play).
The first time I took notice of Christopher Martin’s captivating reggae music was when I accidentally heard the lyrics to “Cheater’s Prayer” over the radio. The tune went something like this: “Oh lawd don’t let me cheat on my girlfriend. But lawd if you can’t stop me from cheating, just don’t let me get caught.”
I asked the DJ who confirmed that this was Christopher Martin.
Barbara Chikosi aka Mama Red Rose, a very experienced female music promoter who was responsible for the promotion of acts such as Alick Macheso, Diamond Musica, King Shango aka Capleton, Winky D,Jah Prayzah and many more in the past, is promising us this thriller this weekend.
The Jamaican reggae singer, Chris Martin will perform at Glamis Arena in what is dubbed “Together As One Live Concert” on Friday the 29th April and reggae fans are anticipating an evening of great entertainment.
Born in Back Pasture, St Catherine on February 14 1987, to Cleveland and Maxine Martin, Christopher attended the Watermount All-Age School and later went on to graduate from St Jago High School in Jamaica.
During high school years he developed a love for the dramatic arts and sports. In 2003 Christopher graduated with countless awards.
After winning the Digicel Rising Stars Competition, Martin participated in Digicel’s Christmas promotion in 2005. His debut single “Love is all We Need” formed part of the promotional campaign. Martin became the first Digicel Rising Stars Alumni to have a hit single on the charts in Jamaica. Shortly after, he won the Digical Rising Stars’ title in 2005.
Among others, Christopher’s parents have been the source of his motivation in pursuing his musical ambitions. “My parents and my peers at school really motivated me. They always said that I would be a star”, he confirms.
Already a national household icon, Christopher’s main objective is to take his music to the optimum level.
“I want every household across the world to know and love my music and where I come from”, Christopher enthuses.
His debut release include: “Nah Go Change”, “Take My Wings”, “Tonight”, “Giving It”, the single, “Jamaican Girls” and “Gallis” featuring Busy Signal.
Christopher has performed on numerous stage shows across Jamaica and set a precedent for newcomers, when he was invited to perform at “One Night” with US star, Michael Bolton and at the 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz Festival.
The year 2008 was also a productive year for Christopher when he was nominated for numerous awards including, “The Jamaica Observer Teenage Choice Awards” and “Excellence in Music and Entertainment”, an achievement which has secured permanence in his art.
With a slate of singles permeating drive-time radio and the Jamaican music charts, Christopher Martin is optimistic about his career in music, “It has been a wonderful journey so far, filled with new and promising encounters. It is also challenging but I love what I am doing, so it makes it that much easier.”
His latest musical offering includes but isn’t limited to “Melody To My Song”, on the Good Love Rhythm label, produced by Baby G, “She Never Listens” produced by Star Kutt, and “Watch Me Lord” by Ariff Cooper on the Fresh Ear Label.
He has also collaborated with Assasin on a single entitled “Real Friends”.
According to a video he released last week, Martin is excited to be in Zimbabwe and will give the Zimbabwe performance his best shot.
At the potentially explosive gig, the “Cheater’s Prayer” hitmaker will be supported by Jah Prayzah, dancehall stars Winky D and Lipsy, courtesy of Red Rose Events, 2 Kings Promotions and Jacaranda Promotions.
Another treat for reggae lovers is in the offing. Bob Marley’s commemoration gig is coming up May 14 2016, (exactly 35 years after his death on the May 11 in 1981).
A special tribute concert which will also incorporate a memorial service for Munya Nyemba, former Transit Crew bassist will take place at the New Ambassador Hotel, in Harare.
Bands lined up to play on this occasion include Transit Crew, House of Stone, HottaFyah, Dino Mudondo and Chikwata 263.
The commemoration concert begins at 2pm till late. Reggae fans are urged to wear their red, gold and green outfits to suit the occasion and to show respect to the Rasta Movement which Bob Marley and the Wailers stood for. It is going to be another weekend of pure niceness!
- Fred Zindi is a Professor at the University of Zimbabwe. He is also a musician and an author of several books on music. He can be contacted via e-mail on [email protected].
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