Early Life and Discovery Born in the bustling city of Ibadan, Oyo State, Marten’s journey began in Lagos where he grew up and attended school. His artistic talents emerged early, culminating in a significant milestone in 2005 when he won a competition at the White House on Toyin Street in Ikeja. This victory marked the beginning of his exploration into the world of music. Musical Inspirations Marten’s musical creativity is deeply rooted in the influences of iconic artists such as Nas, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Sizzla, Heavy D & the Boys, General Levi, 2 Live Crew, Mobb Deep, Fela Anikulapo, Ayinde Barrister, Kwa1, King Sunny Ade, Brymo, Pasuma, and his adored Asa. These legends have significantly shaped his musical journey and continue to inspire his artistic endeavors. Artistic Beginnings Marten’s artistic expression began with drawing and painting at the tender age of seven. He found solace and inspiration in creating comics while immersing himself in music. By the age of 15, he had transitioned to rhyming words and performing at school shows, setting the stage for his musical career. Creative Process Marten’s approach to music creation is straightforward yet profound. He listens to a good beat, crafts a melody, and seamlessly integrates his lyrics to create a song. His introverted nature drives him to seek solitude, allowing him to delve deep into his creativity and produce his best work. Musical Releases and Themes Marten’s two singles, “Gone” and “Hustle n Pray,” encapsulate his musical essence and storytelling prowess. “Gone” addresses themes of heartbreak, pain in relationships, and domestic violence, advocating for walking away from toxic situations. “Hustle n Pray” reflects the daily grind of Lagos life, emphasizing perseverance and faith. His new project distinguishes itself from previous works through enhanced sound quality. Collaborations and Influences Marten’s career has been shaped by collaborations with notable figures in the music industry. Working with Sars in 2007 at Edge Studio Jibowu and Fear Deevee were transformative experiences. Major Banks produced his latest single, “Hustle n Pray,” and he eagerly anticipates future collaborations with other talented artists and producers. Challenges and Triumphs Promoting his music has been a formidable challenge for Marten. Despite facing false promises and unreliable promoters, he remains resilient. His earlier works, including “Jerusalem” (2012) and “Freedom” (2016), are available on YouTube, and his compilation, “From the Bottom Mixtape,” is on Audiomack. Marten embraces criticism, using it as a catalyst for growth and improvement. Forming The Jokers In 2004, Marten formed the group The Jokers, with members Digit and Mozdef. Initially underestimated due to their youth, they surprised many by winning a competition at the White House on Toyin Street in Ikeja, coming first among over 150 contestants.   Future Aspirations Marten’s aspirations are driven by a desire to see his children and business flourish. He aims high, trusting in God’s blessings and guidance. Collaboration dreams include working with Asa and Wande Coal, artists whose genres he admires. Unique Style and Vision Marten’s uniqueness lies in his ability to stay true to his style while being versatile. He values feedback and aims to deliver dance songs without compromising his real essence. With his team, he is working tirelessly to recreate his brand and achieve success. Conclusion Marten’s journey from Ibadan to the world stage is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and passion for music. Despite the challenges, he continues to forge ahead, inspired by legendary artists and driven by his dreams. As he prepares to drop his 5-track EP, Marten is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene, leaving an indelible mark with his unique sound and compelling storytelling. Follow Marten’s journey and stay tuned for more updates on his upcoming EP release and other exciting projects!