J Martin’s 4th album Authentic has been out on the streets for a minute, now we have a chance to take a look at all those who contributed to the making of the project.
Production, Mixing and Mastering
J. Martins is credited with writing, arranging and producing the entire project but he got assistance with the mixing from E.C. Charles and he got assistance for the production from Major Bangz, Charles Duke and Dimz Productions (who we suspect was behind Humblesmith’s “Osinachi” as well). GospelOntheBeatz provided assistance with the percussions, while Samuel Osax was called in as the saxophonist for the project. J Martins has worked with vocal engineer George Nathaniel on all of his previous albums and the two work together again on Authentic. Foster Zeeno mastered the album but if Foster didn’t master your album, then who did?
French Connection
They speak French in every country around Nigeria and as a good neighbor, J. Martins never leaves the francophones out of the conversation when making an album these days. He’s worked with the mentee Fally Ipupa in the past but now he collaborates with the mentor, veteran Koffi Olomide. There’s another mentee of Koffi’s on the album too, Ferré Gola but Fally is not on the album. These soukous practitioners are all from the DRC and once belonged to Koffi’s Quartier Latin International band. Mr. Martin’s relationship with Cote d’Ivoire’s very own DJ Arafat is growing album by album as well – they have 3 collaborations together on Authentic. Ferré’s manager Charles Tabu is the production coordinator for the project.
Charles Tabu and Davido (Instagram)
Hip Hop J
There are 4 rappers on this project – Phyno, YCEE, Vector tha Viper and Zoro. Vector and Phyno need no introduction at all and I know YCEE is new, but unless you have your ears to the ground on Eastern hip-hop, the name Zoro might be even newer. He’s still a little rough around the edges but we have a feeling he’ll be around for a while, so do get familiar.
Friends and Family
Fun fact – both veteran “Zigima” singer Bright Chimezie and J. Martins are from Abia state. It must therefore be a proud achievement for J Martins to be able to do music with the veteran on “Alabeke”. Bright has been away from the scene for a while, with some even claiming that the singer had died but it’s good to see he’s alive and kicking. Then there’s a slot reserved for his long time collaborator Waje as well.
From the East to East Africa
There was a time when record company Ogopa DJs had some of the most popular artists in East Africa. If you were into music from that area, you’d remember Bebe Cool, Gal Level and Jose Chameleon. J. Martins features Jose on this album, as music from Nigeria’s East meets music from Africa’s East.
*Most people forget that an album is a project and a lot more people work on a project than just the recording artist. This series tries to give credit where credit is due*