November 20, (THEWILL) – Cameroonian singer, Tchobe Martin Armand, speaks with with TUNDE OMOLEHIN about his musical journey, what his fans should expect in his upcoming album and his desire to collaborate with Nigerian superstar, Wizkid. Excerpts:
What first got you into music?
My name is Martins. I’m an artist from Cameroon and signed under Afrobeats Productions record label. I have been passionate about music since my childhood. I can remember that in my elementary school days I already had the ability to copy a song I heard on the radio. I sang so much that my mother used to ask me where I took my voice from since there was no any musician in the family. At that time, I had no response to my mother’s question, but today I can say it is simply from God. After I had graduated from university, I met a representative of my record label who saw in me something exceptional and that enabled me to present my art to the world.
Who inspired you to make music?
Honestly, I didn’t choose music; music choose me. I’m really grateful to God and my record label. In Cameroon, I appreciate the music of Illoko, Mr. Leo, Sallah Chieh and many others, including the older generation music star, such as Talla Andrimari, Dorni Elwood and others. In Africa, I enjoyed the music of artistes who paved the way for Afrobeats to reach the world, such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and younger stars, such as Rema, Rugger and others.
How would you describe your music style?
My music is a fusion of Afrobeats, Afropop and Cameroonian traditional rhymes. So, my songs are about the administration of love and joy. A celebration of our beautiful African culture. So, my music is a call to love, to freedom and unity.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process is a kind of shape. I like to let the inspiration flow. So, I just follow the rhymes, the melody and the beats. I often find my inspiration in everyday life, in personal stories and social issues that surround me. I make sure that I work hard in searching for current musical trends and developing my technical skills to bring my ideas to life.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
There are many talented artists around the world, but I will be very happy to collaborate with Rema because I really love his style. For me, it’s a mixture of Afrobeat, Afropop with a bit of spice. So, I really love that. I believe our collaboration will bring forth a new sound.
If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
If I had the opportunity to open a show for any artist, it would definitely be Wizkid because I love his style and for me, he is one of the greatest artistes in Africa at the moment. He has done a lot for Afrobeats and his music has continued to influence generations of African artistes. So, opening a show for him would be an honour.
What message would you like to give your fans?
Thank you for supporting my music and being with me in this artistic journey. I create music to inspire you, to celebrate African culture and to spread joy through our African Rhymes. Keep believing in your dreams, follow your passion and then don’t forget that Music is a universal language that can break barriers and bring people together.
What is the most useless habit you have?
My most useless habit is not sleeping o for one or two days. It is useless because every human being needs to sleep for at least seven or eight hours in a day. And any day I don’t sleep, I feel so tired the next day and less productive.
Do you sing in the bathroom? What songs?
Yes, I do. I sing a lot while having a bathe. When I was living with her, my mother once threatened to build me another bathroom a few kilometers our house.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to my music most of the time and a few Cameroonian classics.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
It is music that pulls me out of my shell. I studied geology in the university, but music is what I actually love.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
I have been lucky enough to perform alongside great artistes in many incredible places in Cameroon and abroad. I have staged many opening shows with local and international artistes like Barlody Panda, Da’ju and Singila, among others. I have also performed in the Cloud Africa stage in Lagos, Nigeria but what I can say is that each stage has its own atmosphere and energy.
If I were to choose my favorite stage from these, it would be Mala Show in 2022 at Yaffe in Yaounde. Cameroon was incredible. I don’t really think I have any because every stage offers an opportunity to share my passion and talent with my fans and music lovers. That is always great for me.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
I have some upcoming shows towards the end of this year. And I’m working on a new project. I have another bigger project at the beginning of next year. Just stay tuned on my social media handles to have all the updates.
When was your saddest moment?
Music has always been a source of peace and love for me. However, there have been few moments of sadness in my career. The saddest was when I lost a loved one. Music will always be my therapy and help me through such difficult periods. It was in those moments that I realized the depth of emotion that can be expressed through music, whether it is joyful or otherwise.
What is your favourite song to perform?
Choosing just a song for me is quite difficult because every song I write has a special meaning for me. But, if I have to choose, I will go with my latest song titled ‘Nobody’. It is a really special song and my favorite right now because it changes so often.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
There are many talented artistes that I admire. One of them is Wizkid. I’m really inspired by his music. His creativity, patience, determination and exemplary career are sources of inspiration to me.
What was the biggest you’ve ever had?
The biggest challenge that an artiste can have in his or her career is not finding his musical path and carving a niche for himself in the music industry which is extremely competitive. On my part, there have been moments of self-doubt and discouragement. But each challenge has strengthened my determination to pursue my musical passion.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I have been given is to stay true to myself and always believe in my heart and above all, to work hard, be consistent and always be a presence in the music scene.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
I would like to create more love and solidarity among Cameroonian artistes and nd let the public know that we need to put more effort into pushing our music on the global scene. Because, it is the only way we can push our culture to a higher level.
What’s next for you?
Absolutely, my music never stopped and I have got some exciting shows lined up in the upcoming months, as well as a big show in Yaounde, Cameroon at the end of the year. So, stay tuned on my social media handles and not to miss any of my upcoming shows. I can’t wait to share this moment with you, my fans.
About the Author
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
