The legendary Nigerian musician, singer, songwriter, and producer J. Martins (Martins Okechukwu Joshua Kalu Okwun) finds strength in himself and in the world’s reaction to Afrobeat music.

The world’s love of Afrobeat gives Martins the strength and inspiration to keep going. He advises, “Sometimes, when you feel like you’re tired—like you can’t find the energy to keep going on—you just have to look within to pull the strength to move forward.” Martins says, “It makes me happy to see that a lot of people love African music and [that] they appreciate what we do.”

Martins, who was born in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, went to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, Nigeria where he earned his degree in Mass Communications, then attended Enugu State University of Science and Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

After graduating, Martins released his first album, entitled Get Serious, in 2008. He quickly followed this with another album, 2009’s Elevated. Since then, he has released 2012’s Selah and 2016’s Authentic.

Martins credits his musical abilities to his family—specifically his mother and father. “My mom used to be the choir mistress (master) at the Presbyterian church,” says Martins. Even as a child, he could "play about seven instruments.” Martins remembers how his father traveled often and returned with music records from various African countries. Listening to such diverse music from around the continent fostered his love for love African music.

Martins believes the Afrobeat music industry has come a long way but that there is still more work to be done. He sees how African musicians “have been able to make statements on the global scene, which is great.” He continued, “You find Afrobeats everywhere, but I’m looking forward to when a full-time focus is on African music.”

Many musicians fail to make it in the industry, but Martins humbly describes himself as just a “man like them.” He is quick to credit God for his rise to fame, but he also gives himself high marks for his consistency, hard work, and focus.

This same focus helped Martins to earn much recognition. First, he was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2009 Headies Award. Then, his song, “Good or Bad” was named the Hottest Single of the Year at the 2009 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He has also collaborated with notable Nigerian artists such as P-Square, Timaya, Banky W., and 2Face. His ageless hits including "Touchin Body" ft DJ Arafat, "Fine Fine Love," "E No Easy," "Jukpa" remix ft Fally Ipupa, among several others still resonates with many.

Lately, J. Martins has been busy in the studio, producing for other artists and creating new Afrobeat music for the world to listen to. He says "he will do everything in his capacity to make sure all of [his] African brothers and sisters around the world" hear the best music and says he is especially “proud of them for supporting African music.”

To keep up with J. Martins today, follow him on Facebook.

Click here to watch other “AfroVibes Influencers” interviews with AV host Omose Ighodaro.