With Jamaican reggae sensation Christopher Martin in Kenya, Kenyans no longer feel guilty for eating chapati. You must be wondering what his presence in Kenya has to do with the beloved chapati (Indian-inspired oiled flatbread). Well, he confessed about his growing love for chapati whenever he is in Nairobi. His confession is great news for a section of Kenyans who shy away from eating the flatbread over worry that it leads to massive weight gain.
However, the Let Her Go singer has tilted the perception scale for this snack popular in East Africa. “Why would a Jamaican enjoy chapo (slang for chapati) from Kingston yet I am in Nairobi intentionally avoiding it? We must show love for our Kenyan food,” Nancy Mwangi, a city businesswoman exclaimed.
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Why is Christopher Martin in Kenya?
The Jamaican artist is in Nairobi for the Sounds from Africa Festival slated for February 8 at Uhuru Gardens. Christopher Martin in Kenya became a reality on Wednesday, February 5 when he flew in at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). He was received by Kenyan reggae industry heavyweights such as Chris Darlin, Talia Oyando, DJ Kaneda, Watendawili and Hype Ballo.
Award-winning Jamaican reggae artist Christopher Martin performing at a past concert in Nairobi. Photo/Nairobi News
Besides his love for chapati eaten as a breakfast snack or for dinner with stew, he excitedly said that Kenya feels like a second home for him. The love and support he gets from fans in Kenya has always warmed his inner spirit. If he was to choose a second home, it would be Nairobi. He averred that the love and support he gets from Kenyan women is humbling.
Although for Sounds from Africa Festival is the highlight of the visit, music collaborations with Kenyan artists are part of Christopher Martin in Kenya tour. He told Citizen Digital that he is ready to work with local artists and also support Kenya’s music industry. Some of the local artists he frequently listens to and would be open to collaborating with in future include:
- Wyre
- Bien
- Khaligraph Jones
- Willy Paul
The 37-year-old Jamaican singled out Extra Pressure by Ben Sol featuring Bien as his all-time favourite song. It has so much that he relates with in Jamaican music.
Has Christopher Martin Visited Kenya Before?
The Is It Love hitmaker first visited Kenya in 2010 and followed up with a second visit in 2019. His popularity and support have grown tenfold in the last decade. Reggae’s uptake in the last 10 years increased with more younger people listening to it unlike pre-2010. Now, with Christopher Martin in Kenya in 2025 – five years since his last visit – his influence on local reggae music is unmatched.
Jamaican reggae artist Christopher Martin at the Nairobi National Park. Photo/KWS
Chris Martin (as he’s popularly known) is excited about his return to Kenya having transitioned several phases in his music and personal life. He was only 22 when he performed in Nairobi for the first time. He returned for a second concert in 2019 just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020. Speaking to journalists in Nairobi after his arrival, Chris further stated that five years felt so long for him being away from Kenya.
At 37, there are a lot of lessons he learnt over the years, most of them impacting his music life. He plans to entertain his fans at the Sounds from Africa Festival.
Where Did Christopher Martin Visit in Kenya?
Nairobi National Park welcomed Christopher Martin in Kenya. He went for a wildlife safari on Thursday, February 6 together with his entourage. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) elatedly posted on its socials about his experience at the Nairobi National Park.
“Earlier today, we had the pleasure of hosting the award-winning Jamaican artist @iamchrismartin Christopher Martin in the World’s only Wildlife Capital, Nairobi National Park, ahead of his much-anticipated performance at the iconic Uhuru Gardens grounds this weekend. The entourage was treated to a rich menu of spectacular wildlife against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline,” read the post by KWS.
Nairobi National Park is unique in that it’s the only park its size in the continent found in the city. It’s close to Kenya’s largest airport, JKIA, major hotels, Wilson Airport for local flights and the Central Business District. Additionally, the prestigious Giraffe Manor and Maasai Mara are on his bucket list too.
Which Country Does Christopher Martin Come from?
Christopher Martin is from Jamaica. He was born in 1987 in Back Pasture, St. Catherine to Cleveland Martin and Maxine Martin. His love for music manifested when he was a young boy. His parents helped in nurturing his talent. Chris Martin released his first song Love is All We Need in 2005 as a teenager and made a name for himself globally.
