IN 1982, Martin Nievera was fresh in Manila (from Hawaii) with his father, the late Bert Nievera, nang mapanood siya ni Boss Vic del Rosario sa isang TV show. Agad ipinahanap ni Boss Vic si Martin, pinapunta sa kanyang Vicor Music Corporation office and signed him up as recording artist on August 18, 1982. Martin was 19 going 20 at that time. And `yun na ang naging simula ng kanyang successful singing career.
Boss Vic commissioned Vehnee Saturno to compose a song for Martin at dito nabuo ang signature hit niyang “Be My Lady” na kasama sa kanyang debut album na “Take 1” which was released in 1983. Kasama rin sa nasabing album ang mga awiting “Holiday” at “Pain” na naging grand prize winner sa 6th Metropop Music Festival.
Martin stayed on with Vicor until 1989 and completed six albums (gold and multi-platinum): “Take 1,” “The Gift,” ‘Martin,” “Miracle,” “A Martin Nievera Christmas” and Dream” kung saan hango ang kanyang hits tulad ng “Each Day with You,” “Please Don’t Throw My Heart Away,” “You Are To Me,” “On The Right Track,” “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin” at iba pa.
Although gusto lahat ni Martin ang kanyang songs including his signature hit, “Be My Lady,” he considers “Say That You Love Me” (which he penned) his favorite.
Martin owes it to Vicor dahil sa pamamagitan ng kanyang hit songs and top-selling albums, he was later dubbed as Concert King while his ex-wife Pops Fernandez as Concert Queen. The ex-couple met and fell in love sa set ng “Penthouse Live” ng GMA and got married in June 1986. They produced two sons, Robin and Ram but after 12 years of marriage ay nagkahiwalay ang dalawa. In later years, they would reconcile as friends and remain as such until now.
This year, Martin is celebrating his 38th anniversary in the music and entertainment business. And likely part of his celebration is his signing up back with his first label, Vicor Music. Sa ngayon, ang music division (ng Viva Group of Companies which Vicor is now under) ay pinamumunuan na ng grandson ni Boss Vic (sa anak na si Vincent) na si Verb del Rosario.
The concert king is glad that Boss Vic, Vincent and Verb thought of having him back sa Vicor Music fold at ngayon pa lamang ay excited na siya sa kanyang balik recording which will be released soon sa iba’t ibang digital music platforms.
“When I started recording in the 80s, it was still in vinyl form, then CDs, ngayon iba na,” natatawang pahayag ni Martin sa isang Zoom presscon na ipinatawag ng Vicor Music last Wednesday, October 14.
Martin is looking forward to collaborating with new composers and young singers.
Samantala, Martin will be celebrating Christmas with his three sons – Robin, Ram and Santino (his teen-age son sa kanyang ex-girlfriend na si Katrina Ojeda who has special needs) in Manila.
“Robin is flying in a couple of days (from the US). I brought Santino here (from Las Vegas) two months ago,” pahayag ni Martin.
He admits that he now has a non-showbiz girlfriend who has a daughter (which he doesn’t have) by a previous relationship.
Ayon kay Martin, ang pagkakaroon ng pandemya (globally) ay isa umanong humbling experience for him. Nobody thought that this pandemic will happen and will halt almost everything including the music and entertainment business na source of income ng mga singer and entertainer.
At 58, Martin is still hungry to do new things and still dreams to be known internationally tulad nina Lea Salonga, Arnel Pineda at iba pa.
“I was put on this earth to sing. This is what God has wanted me to do, so I go for it,” aniya.
Napakalaking challenge para kay Martin ng present situation.
“I have learned to become a multi-tasker and embrace the new normal,” aniya.
“But I’m still dying to perform before a live audience,” dugtong pa niya.
Tinanong si Martin kung ano ang kanyang reaction na magkakaroon ng bagong katapat ang “ASAP Natin `To” sa pamamagitan ng “Sunday Noontime Live” ng TV5 kung saan ang hosts, director at production staff ay nagmula sa “ASAP.”
“ASAP” has nothing to prove anymore,” deklara ni Martin.
“It’s going to bring back the network competition but not among us, the artists,” pahayag pa niya.
“We’re not worried or scared. I wish them well. Enjoy the ride and give the best performance that you can give,” masaya niyang pahayag.
“We’re here to entertain, to inspire. Keep going forward,” pagtatapos ni Martin.
