Inspirational musician, Tosin Martins, admits that Nigerian music had become more lucrative with the new generation of artiste but insists that standards and content must not be sacrificed.
Speaking on Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television, the ‘Oloo Mi’ crooner admitted that he had sometimes wished his career emerged during the current era of big money deals in the music industry but would not compromise on certain standards.
While speaking on the need to pay attention to playing good music with a sense of sending a message, he said that music, for him, was about the arts and not the money or the classification of his genre, as he was asked if he was a gospel artiste or not.
“I sing love songs because I’m a man in love, I share my faith through my music because I believe in a person called Jesus and I follow him to the best of my ability. I’m an avid follower of current affairs with what’s happening in my nation – developmental issues, so I would talk about that; I would sing about Lagos, Nigeria, issues going on.
“I don’t know how to be labelled but maybe because people know you to be a Christian, the easiest category to put you under is gospel. I have no quarrels with what they call it but I’m an artiste, that’s what I know”, he explained.
Tosin Martins, at some point in his career, was signed to Storm Records but has since moved on and he admitted that although there were issues that necessitated a separation in the business relationship, they would remain as family.
He refused to give details of the circumstances that led to the breakup in his business arrangement with the record label but gave a hint that his music might have been too classic or vintage for Storm Records, adding that there was need for them to understand that “there is a market for every form of art.”
“My kind of music cannot be pushed or promoted the way you promote a Naeto-C for example and I have no quarrel with that. Anybody who is doing business and you feel that this is what is popping and this is what you need to push, it OK”, he said.
Tosin also spoke about the ‘Peace Concert’ his collaboration with music diva, Onyeka Onwenu.
He revealed that the project which was done in commemoration of Nigeria’s centenary celebration was done from his conscience, as he believed that Nigeria being together after 100 years, during which it fought wars, was a miracle which portends the possibilities of some benefits for the country.
“There’s more to lose than to gain in division…anything that’s positive, whoever is doing it, I’ll be part of it and I’ll honour relationships.
“If you call me to come and do something and I think it’s a decent thing to do, it does not in any way fall below a good name, I’ll do it.
“I have no personal contact or relationship with Government or any political association”, he said.
He, however, shared his opinion about making songs for politicians, political parties and campaigns.
“Whether by foresight or by accident, if you believe in something be open about it, be bold about it. Jay-Z came out to let you know he believed in Obama. If I can vote for somebody, I can as well sing for the person.
“I don’t have a problem (with it) as long as I’m not in any way going to compromise my standards, my values and the ideals I believe in. Any candidate who is short of that, no”, he stated.
Tosin Martins has an album slated for release at the end of July 2014. The album, according to him features a lot of major artistes like Tiwa Savage, Waje, Vector and two other big names he would not like to reveal until the album hits the market.