Music is a talent but very few people will resign from journalism, just to fulfil their passion about being a minister in songs. Lizzy Martin a gospel musician, business woman is a talented gospel artists. She is a graduate of Mass communication and have been a journalist for several years before quitting to pursue her vision of music and also into her business.
In anticipation for the latest release of her next album, she then grants an interview with The Boss reporter who she shares her experience while building her career.
Goodday Ma, can we know you?
My name is Lizzy Martins, I am a dual citizen of Ghana and Nigeria, my dad is from Oke-Agbo, Ijebu Igbo in Ogun state while my mum is from Brong-Ahafo Region, Brechem, Ghana. Am an Anglican. I’m based in Lagos State. I am a music minister.
As a dual citizen, can you speak both languages?
Yes, I can speak Twei (Ghana Language) but not fluently . I can speak Ijebu fluently. (Speaking Ijebu dialect) Mo le sojebu daada. Omo Ijebu remiwa, Omo Orimolusi, Omo oke-Agbo beje. Mile fowo osi juwe ile iba mi (laughing)
How were you introduced into Music?
I started officially nine years ago. But i have been singing before then. I have a brother who is an Anglican priest and also a musician, I used to back him up when ever he went to minister in music, so he made it so easy for me to start my ministry because I learnt a lot from him as a musician.
Since you started from Childhood, did you receive any encouragement from your parents?
Yes, my parents encouraged me, most especially my dad of blessed memory. My dad loved music, so he made sure I was involved in all church activities as a teenager that made it so easy for me to do music. Mum is also my encouraged. She prays and encourages me that she has no silver, gold or money to give me, but she’s certain that with her prayer, I will get there. I could remember one day when my brother, Canon Olakunle Yaw Martins told me that before my father died, on the sick bed, he said he told him to ensure that I don’t stop singing, that no matter what I intend doing in the future, I must not stop singing. So, am sure he’s in love of my chosen career and wherever he is, he would be happy and proud of me.
Can you tell us about your educational Background?
Ok, I went to Saint Philips Anglican school 2 in Ijebu-igbo and I also attended Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo in the same Ogun state. After my secondary school, I then went to Lagos City computer college in Ijebu-Ode where I obtained a certificate in data processing. After that, I went straight to Ile-Ife where I studied Mass Communication in a private polytechnic named The Polytechnic Ife.
Talking about Music, what inspires you to sing?
God is my source of inspiration. Also, I get inspired almost everything on planet earth.
Apart from Music, what instrument can you also play?
I play talking drum fairly.
Since 2010, how many songs have you released?
I have released an album which was produced by JULIEKING production and marketed by ALOY Productions International. The album is titled “Mafimisile” meaning “Don’t forsake me”
Who do you take as your role model that you look up to?
I have one in Nigeria and Abroad, Evangelist Tope Alabi and Tasha Cobbs
What makes your music different and unique from other gospel artistes?
I will say, apart from my style of music, my stage performance and appearance have stood me out.
With Music taking most of your time, how do you see Music helping you to preach the gospel of Christ?
Music is a very easy way to pass a message. That’s why I take my time before I release a song. When am invited to any church, I make sure that I minister in songs and not to entertain.
Surely as a musician, you tend to face challenges, so can you hint us about some of them?
I have challenges but the only one I can talk about is financial challenge. And this has affected my business. Since I have no sponsor, so I spend money from my business just to do music. Because when the money is not forthcoming, the business you run will surely be affected.
Apart from the issue of finance, what other means to you strive to make an impact on your music?
Social media has been helpful. Bloggers are so supportive. The likes of Ojutole blog, informant Newspaper, Abiding hub, Veno News, and of course “The BossNewspaper”. I want to use this medium to say thank you for promoting my brand on your platforms.
So can you let us know about the new song that you will soon release.
I am releasing it on Friday 21st of this month, it is titled, “you are not alone” produced by T.Soft and the song is all about what is going on in our society and the whole world at large, it is to encourage people who are facing some challenges of life not to feel depressed. There is still hope for a better tomorrow, because every one who has made it in life have also experienced tough times. This song encourages them not to commit suicide, because the rate at which people commit suicide nowadays is very high simply because they are helpless.
Since 2009 to date, you are still doing God’s work, so therefore where do you see Lizzy Martins in 5 years time?
I see Lizzy Martins in a greater height because that’s where I belong. Lizzy Martins would have become a house hold name. Lastly, I see myself winning more souls for God .
In what way or the other, you would have received accolades from people and also critics will have complained about your songs, so how were you able to manage them?
I must confess, I have not experienced criticism on any of my songs.
What advise will you give to other up comings who are facing one challenge or the other and are thinking about backing off the career?
I would love to say; Don’t give up even if people don’t motivate you, God sees everything, every upcoming should also not give in to the things of the world. Wait for your time because “slow and steady wins the race”. And keep praying.