Entertainment

I LEFT JOURNALISM TO BUILD MY MUSIC CAREER- LIZZY MARTINS

Published

7 years ago

June 20, 2019

Eric

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.

Entertainment

Tribute to Jimmy Cliff: Last Lion of Reggae Crossed the Rivers

Published

6 days ago

December 14, 2025

Eric

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

The wind blows soft across the hills of Jamaica, and the world feels it — a tremor of sorrow, a sigh of history, as Jimmy Cliff, the last Lion of the Reggae Mountains, crossed the great river at eighty-one.
He was the troubadour who sang survival into existence. The freedom-fighter who turned melody into movement. The dreamer who taught the world that:
“You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try.”
And try he did — from Somerton to Kingston, from Kingston to the world.

THE JOURNEY — FROM SOMERTON TO THE SUMMIT

Born James Chambers, a young boy humming tunes to the morning breeze, Jimmy Cliff stepped into Kingston with nothing but ambition and spirit. He recorded “Hurricane Hattie” at sixteen, and the island took notice.
He rose like sunrise — slow, steady, unstoppable. Reggae, ska, rocksteady — he touched them all, carving a golden road across Jamaica’s musical skyline.

Then came the explosion that stamped his immortality.

“THE HARDER THEY COME” — A REVOLUTION ON SCREEN

With the 1972 classic The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff did more than act; he preached struggle and hope for the entire world.
His voice cried out: “The harder they come, the harder they fall.” Oppressed people everywhere heard their story.
In “Many Rivers to Cross,” he poured a lifetime of pain, faith, and yearning:
“Many rivers to cross, but I can’t seem to find my way over.”
Yet he always crossed — and showed humanity how.

THE MAN WHO SANG FOR HUMANITY

Jimmy Cliff lived with the soul of a pilgrim, a man who believed that peace could ride on melody. He travelled far, performed wide, raised children with pride, held philosophies that blended faith and freedom.

He sang of unity in “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” reminding humanity:
“There is a place where love is flowing freely.”
His life proved that music could make nations kinder and people braver.

AWARDS, HONOURS, AND ETERNAL RESPECT

Jimmy Cliff earned the world’s applause:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Grammy Awards

Jamaica’s Order of Merit

Worldwide tours and universal reverence
A catalogue woven into the soundtrack of global culture
But his deepest legacy lies in the millions who found hope in his voice, who stood tall because he sang:
“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.”

THE LAST LION OF THE REGGAE GENERATION

With Marley gone, with Toots, Peter, Bunny, and Gregory gone, Jimmy Cliff stood as the final elder — the last lion roaring from reggae’s original pride.
He carried the flame when others dimmed. He carried the memory. He carried the movement. He carried the message.
And now he has crossed the last river — the one his own lyrics foresaw.

TRIBUTES FOR A TITAN

“Jimmy Cliff was a bridge between struggle and joy — a global treasure.” — Jamaican Prime Minister
“He sang the world into courage.” — Global Entertainment Guild
“Reggae has lost its last first-born. The music will never forget.” — International Music Legends Alliance

Though gone in body, the stage curtain remains open for the last lion who crossed all the many rivers after finally finding his way.

Jimmy Cliff is gone. But Jimmy Cliff can never die.His voice lives in street corners where youth gather, in radios crackling across African markets, in festivals, in freedom rallies, in every soul that ever felt hope rise from a song.

His own words now carry him across eternity:
“There’s a river that must be crossed, and I must cross it.”

He has crossed. The Lion rests. But his roar echoes forever.

One love. One legend. One Jimmy Cliff.

Entertainment

Globacom-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers Features BBN Host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2025

Eric

Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact.

Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style.

A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, where he specialized in Intellectual Property. Beyond reality TV, he has anchored notable programs including Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television and the Glo Show.

The episode highlights Ebuka’s impressive fashion collaborations with designer Mai Atafo, the cultural stories behind his signature style, and his passionate advocacy for young boys across Nigeria.

The show which runs on Saturday on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. and 12.00 noon is repeated on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The repeats continue on Monday at 4 on the morning belt and at 6.45 p.m. the same day and at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The edition will be repeated next weekend at the same time slots.

Entertainment

My Character in “Sinnners” Reflects Deep Ancestral Reverence, Connection – Starlet Wunmi Mosaku

Published

3 weeks ago

November 29, 2025

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

She received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award (BAFTA) for playing a grieving matriarch in the heartbreaking drama “Damilola, Our Loved Boy.” She captivated audiences as Ruby Baptiste in the horror-drama series “Lovecraft Country” and was the sidekick to Idris Elba’s character in the fifth series of the BBC crime drama “Luther.”

Wunmi Mosaku’s latest role as a spiritual healer and Hoodoo conjurer is earning her rave reviews.

In “Sinners,” the supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, Mosaku, who is known for her roles in “Loki” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” and the film “His House” is much more than just the estranged wife of Elijah “Smoke” Moore (Michael B. Jordan).

“Annie is Smoke’s protection, his comforter. She’s his mother, his teacher, his friend and his lover,” says the Nigerian-born British actress whose performance has been widely praised for its emotional arc and authenticity. In playing Annie, she steeped herself in research ensuring she not only perfected the Southern American accent required but arduously rehearsed with Jordan as their on-screen relationship is central to the film’s core.

“We had a couple of weeks of rehearsal and shared our story, our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, the things most precious to us. And so, we built a level of trust and openness and safety to really explore that love, that grief, the differences. I think that’s kind of the fastest way to get to trusting your scene partner and being free is just to open up, and that’s what we did.”

An original tale that takes place in a single day, “Sinners” follows identical twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint. While they plan to start a new life, they soon find themselves battling a group of vampires who attack their establishment, forcing the survivors to learn how to fight and defeat them.

Her character’s expertise in Hoodoo proves crucial in helping her companions tackle the vampires. She provides spiritual and intellectual guidance for the group. It’s a role which also allowed Mosaku, who was born in Zaria, to explore her own heritage as a Hoodoo expert Dr. Yvonne Patricia Chireau, an authority on Africa based religions and spiritual traditions served as a consultant on the film.

“There is this reverence for our people, who we are and where we’re from, and I was excited by the depth and the quality of the writing when I read the script, and I learned so much from Annie. The onset conversations Michael and I had, and those I had with the community, truly inspired me. I hope the film reminds people to stay connected with their ancestors.”

With music, humor, drama, suspense and history, director Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Black Panther,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), who also wrote the screenplay, has created a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a U.S. based journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film