Faith Martins is building her music around storytelling, emotion and a strong connection to Yoruba language.
The Nigerian singer-songwriter first found her way into music through gospel, but her developing sound has expanded into soul and contemporary production, with Yoruba expression remaining an important part of how she communicates.
Her latest single, “DÀJÚ,” offers a glimpse into that direction. The Afro-House record turns a familiar message of caution into something listeners can dance to, while retaining the weight Martins believes Yoruba gives the song.
The release has brought more attention to her music, but Martins says she is not interested in reshaping herself around whatever is currently popular.
“I’m not trying to sound like what is trending, I’m trying to sound like myself,” she says.
In this exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter (TNR), Faith Martins discusses her musical beginnings, the challenges of building a career as an emerging artiste, the inspiration behind “DÀJÚ,” the importance of Yoruba language in her music and the kind of storyteller she hopes to become.
TNR: Take us back to the beginning. What kind of music did you grow up listening to, and what from those early years has stayed with you?
Faith Martins: I grew up listening to gospel songs. I was in the choir in children’s church, and what connects me most to songs are the chord progressions and the lyrics each song carries.
Now that I’m grown, I’d say chord progressions have stayed with me. The chord progression of a beat or song really directs how deep a song becomes for me.
Before “DÀJÚ,” when did music become something you wanted to pursue professionally, and what has that journey been like?
Music is my safe space. I just know this is what I’m supposed to do. Music kept calling me; it’s like a magnet, it just keeps calling for me.
The journey has had its ups and downs. There were times when I didn’t write or create music for months. Yes, I’ve paused, but I’ve never stopped.
It wasn’t easy when I started going to studios to record because beats and studio sessions are not cheap, but I’m grateful for the people around me. I didn’t do this alone. I had help from friends, from family, from people who believed in me. I’m grateful.
What has been the most difficult part of building a career as an emerging artiste, and what have those challenges taught you?
Like I said earlier, music is not cheap, and that was a hassle for me in the beginning because, how much am I making? [She smiles.]
But moving forward, I met amazing people, and they made everything you see today possible.
One thing those moments taught me is the power of people, the power of community. Before now, I always liked doing everything myself, but my journey taught me the importance of people, love from people, help from people.
I promise you, life is easier when you’re not doing it alone.
You have also contributed to other artistes’ records as a songwriter and composer, including Coblaze’s “Favour Anthem” and VASA’s “E-Major.” How has creating for other artistes shaped your own music?
It felt good, to be honest. I saw it as another form of creative outlet. My vocals felt like a sprinkle of gold, like a sweet finishing touch.
I enjoyed contributing to someone else’s vision while also expressing myself creatively.
“DÀJÚ” was already building momentum online before its official release. What inspired the song, and what did you want to communicate through it?
Someone very close to me inspired DÀJÚ. He would always say, “Please stay safe oo, live a healthy life, avoid wahala. The world is wicked already, please don’t die.”
And I wanted that message in a song.
I want people to be cautious and to take care of themselves, and I’m glad I was able to communicate that while also making people dance to the song.
“DÀJÚ” carries a distinctly Yoruba message through a contemporary electronic sound. How intentional are you about bringing Yoruba language and culture into your music?
Yoruba carries weight, and I wanted the song to carry weight.
I could say, “stay safe, don’t die, shine your eyes” in English, but the words wouldn’t carry the same weight that they do in Yoruba.
I’m very intentional about my craft, how it makes me feel, and the emotion I’m trying to convey. The Yoruba language gave me the exact feeling and weight I wanted.
Other artistes are also exploring Yoruba language and culture through contemporary sounds. Do you see yourself as part of that wider movement, or are you simply following what feels natural to you?
I’m honestly just following the ideas that feel natural to me.
I’m following the creative direction I get from God and just pouring myself into it. I’m not trying to sound like what is trending, I’m trying to sound like myself.
Now that “DÀJÚ” has introduced more people to your music, what do you want listeners to understand about Faith Martins beyond the song?
I want them all to know that Faith Martins is a storyteller who tells her stories through her music.
I feel things deeply. I’m an empath and a very deep person, I’m working towards becoming that artiste who always has something to say in her songs. You’ll hear my soul in my songs.
Which Nigerian or African artiste would you particularly love to collaborate with, and what would you hope to create together?
I’d love to collaborate with Mannywellz. He has such a strong sense of emotion and identity in his music, and I’d love to see what would happen if we created something soulful and deeply rooted together.
“DÀJÚ” is creating momentum around your name. Are you working towards a larger project, and what can listeners expect next?
Oh yes, I’m working on something amazing, so expect more stories from me.
