Martin PK on gospel mission
MARTIN Phike, popularly known as Martin PK, has come a long way since the days of his Ghetto Lingo.
The 36-year-old star, who recently released his second gospel album, says his new path of gospel was never motivated by money, but was a calling from God. His latest offering, titled Lifted, speaks of his journey to where God has lifted him up versus where he was before.
“I come from far. I started music at the age of 15, signed with Sony Music, and from there had my taste of the industry. I lost a lot of friends along the way. And for me to be still standing is due to the grace of God, and it’s really amazing.
“This album signifies that God has really lifted me up, and my spirit is high,” he adds.
His turnaround to embracing his calling in gospel came when he first went to church and was immediately drawn into a life led by God. His Christianity spans more than 12 years, he says.
“I never grew up in a church. Both my parents were alcoholics and that was the environment I was familiar with. The only contact with God I had was through my grandmother, who would teach us to pray, even though at that time you’d fall asleep due to the lack of understanding,” he says, laughing.
“I come from that artificial side of life, trying to be better than everybody, associating with this one to get here and there. I’ve been there. And then the Lord called me through my wife. Her diligence to God was so inspiring.
“But building up to that time I was feeling so lonely. You know when you have a lot of people around but you are lonely inside? That was me,” he explains.
And looking back to where he comes from, Phike sees God’s hand guiding him through his life.
“That’s when my turnaround came, around 2005 into 2006, that’s when the transition happened,” he says. “Paddling through the industry with God leading me.”
Phike says he doesn’t suffer from an identity crisis.
“I know who I am, I know my purpose, I have a clear mandate and I am enjoying every single moment of it. There is no effort to try to impress.
“The industry has so many rules, who to speak to and who to avoid, who to keep in your circle etc; but I have found peace in knowing what my goal with music is.”
@AmandaMaliba