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NewsDay

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Jamaican singer speaks on fame

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Jamaican reggae singer Christopher Martin has challenged local musicians to be role models and act responsibly saying fame comes with a host of challenges, which require a sober and responsible mind.

Jamaican reggae singer Christopher Martin has challenged local musicians to be role models and act responsibly saying fame comes with a host of challenges, which require a sober and responsible mind.

BY WINStONE ANTONIO

chris-martin

His free advice came at a time many local artistes were failing to handle the pressure associated with fame and have been embroiled in unending scandals and shameful acts, including violence at musical shows.

In an exclusive interview with NewsDay, ahead of his much-anticipated maiden Zimbabwean concert dubbed Together-As-One Live Concert tonight at Glamis Arena, in the capital, Martin said celebrities should be role models in their communities.

“The lifestyle of fame to some people, of course has come with some unexpected messes, but the important thing is discipline and for me fear of the Almighty has helped me to handle everything on and off the stage,” he said.

“I know a lot is expected from me as a role model for the young people especially, those who follows my music and challenges come every day, but discipline helps me to be exemplary so that I remain appreciated by the members of the society.”

Local artistes’ behaviour including recent events when Jah Prayzah attempted to use his status to skip paying toll fees and tried to evade police in the process, have fallen under public scrutiny and earned him the notoriety tag, bad publicity and criticism.

Such failure to handle fame have negatively affected the growth of the artistes’ brilliant and promising careers and was costing them endorsement deals with leading brands.

Some artistes in Zimbabwe have intentionally sparked controversy as a marketing stunt, with the likes of dancehall musician Lady Squanda faking her own death as part of hype ahead of her release of a song titled Rufu RwaSquanda in 2013.

This formula has been perfected by many United States of America musicians especially Hip-hop artistes including the late 2Pac and Notorious B.I.G, Biggie Smalls to hype up public interest for their works.

The Cheaters Prayer hit-maker said he does not believe in controversy as a publicity stunt to market his works. “No to controversy for publicity stunt. I feel like it does not last, but substance is what last forever. Music and performance must do the talking not controversy,” he said.

Martin said he was inspired to sing love-themed songs because he was born on a day set aside internationally to celebrate love (February 14, 1987) Valentine’s Day, as well as his upbringing where he grew up listening to love songs.

Meanwhile, Martin, backed by his full band, have promised an energetic performance tonight as they share the stage with local artistes, Jah Prayzah, dancehall stars Winky D and Lipsy.

There will also be entertainment galore at the concert that will see several popular local sounds, among them Silverstone, Stone Love, Fyah Links, Legendary, Mighty Ducks, Stan Splash, Bodyslam, Digital One and Majestic 3 clashing before the main show.

About eight local female emcees led by Empress Christine have also been accorded the opportunity to perform at the concert.

One of the concert organisers Barbra Chikosi, known as Mama Red Rose on the showbiz scene said fans must buy tickets of the concert which are selling at $15 ordinary, $20 for VIP and $50 VVIP at officially recommended outlets among them Red Rose hair salons,

Coloursell Furniture branches, Sopranos Restaurant in Avondale and Hard Sounds Gulf Complex and Long Cheng Plaza Shop 143.