Christopher Martin sings of the ‘Goodness of God’
Published:Sunday | August 6, 2023 | 12:07 AMYasmine Peru - Sunday Gleaner Writer
Christopher Martin is not a gospel artiste, even though a certain online portal describes him as “renowned and anointed Christian/gospel singer and recording music artiste Chris Martin whose mission is to be a blessing many people through kingdom music”.
The website was actually rhapsodising about his newly released cover of the gospel anthem, Goodness of God, and while the full statement might not be factual, what is true is that the versatile singer is a blessing to many. Just ask his mother, Maxine Martin.
His recording of the song, Goodness of God, has a story that surrounds her.
“My mother always wanted me to do a gospel song for her and I decided that I would,” shared Martin, who always gives kudos to his parents for their support of his musical journey.
“So, when I went to a wedding in Jamaica and heard Goodness of God for the first time, I really liked it and went home singing it. I decided that this was the right time in my career to do a gospel song. As an artiste, timing is very important. I also found out that it is one of my mother’s favourite songs. She is happy that I did it and she loves my interpretation,” he said.
Released on July 21 on his own Cheeny Son Music label, and distributed by VPal, this was a labour of love that saw Martin at the controls making his debut as producer. He explained that his love for music makes him want to be involved in every level of the process in a big way.
“I’m very proud of it. I chose musicians who understood my vision and a special shoutout to them.”
The singer’s fans have been showing it love, but as fans sometimes tend to be, they were also vocal after he posted his first live performance of Goodness of God. They have high standards and equally high expectations of the artiste, and they don’t shy away from hauling him over the coals when they think he has trespassed.
After posting the video of himself performing the song at a concert in Grenada, they told Martin “’yuh can’t be singing a gospel song with your shirt off”.
“I had a good reason for it, but I didn’t explain to them ... I get what they were saying,” the Big Deal singer said.
IT WILL BE DIFFERENT
Martin is a gym buff and some would say that his physical reflects the goodness of God’s creation. And, he does have a tendency to partially disrobe and show it off onstage, much to the delight of his appreciative female fans. But he stressed that he wasn’t being disrespectful when he sang the song shirtless.
“I had almost finished my set and Goodness of God was my last song ... so I would have taken off my shirt earlier in my performance. So that’s how I ended up being that way ... but moving forward it will be different,” he said.
Martin noted that perhaps, if the opportunity presents itself, he may do a gospel music-inspired EP. It is undeniable that the dancehall has a love for gospel music, whether it is reggae gospel or the traditional form. Already, singers Terry Linen and Sanchez have recorded their versions of Goodness of God, and Terry Linen’s three-year-old video has amassed more than one million views.
Martin is also putting out a music video that will enhance the overall production.
Goodness of God, by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson, was released as the third single from Bethel Music’s live album, Victory in November 2019. It peaked at No. 15 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart and the song was nominated for the 2020 GMA Dove Award for Worship Recorded Song of the Year. It was covered by CeCe Winans, on her live album, Believe For It (2021). Her version peaked at No. 6 on the Hot Christian Songs chart, and No. 3 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart. Winans’ rendition was nominated for the GMA Dove Award Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year in 2022.
Having added producer to his resume, the Dreams of Brighter Days singer said he is very intentional about the material he is circulating in the space. At 36, after taking a look around the world, Martin is thinking about his legacy, both as an artiste and a producer.
“I want to continue to make quality music that will endure for generations. Whichever way the pendulum may swing, I want to stay true to my myself, my path and the people who have been there for me from day one,” said Martin, who has been working with ace producer Robert Livingston of Big Yard.
Martin hailed Freddy McGregor, Beres Hammond, Wayne Wonder, Ghost, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man as some of the artistes who have “showed [him] nothing but love and respect” since he made his entry into the business after winning ‘Digicel Rising Stars’ in 2005.
Asked about his advice for up-and-coming acts, he said, “You don’t have to follow the crowd or follow trends ... don’t change for material gain.”