The comeback of Chicco Martino |14 December 2017

The rumors were true!  Francesco ‘Chicco’ Azemia Martino is splashing back onto the music scene with a new album entitled ‘The Comeback’.

The singer has been promoting his latest album and Seychelles NATION will take a glance at Chicco Martino’s album and learn more about what pushed him to release the album in time for Christmas.

After a four-year absence on the music scene, ‘The Comeback’describes Chicco’s life for the past years as well as accomplishments.

The 12-track album which was released last month comprises songs in Creole and a variety of genres such as reggae, reggae-tone, among others.

Chicco’s new album can be purchased at the usual outlets for R150, but if you buy it from the singer in person you can get it for only R100.

Interesting fact about Chicco is that he has got two surnames -- one from his mum and the other from his dad.

Q: How has been the reaction to your latest album?

A: Fans love the new album; to be frank I did not plan to release an album.  But it came at the right moment, the right time for Christmas.

Q: How long did it take you to come out with this CD -- from start to finish?

A: The project started in March, and it became a reality in October. I had such an amazing time in the studio, preparing for my comeback into the music industry.

Q: How did you come up with the title for the album?

A: Since I was away for so many years, it was the right time to make my return. My fans were asking me when I was making my return in the music industry.  I went away for four years, but the love of music was always present in my soul and heart. I was in a transitory spiritual phase trying to find my spiritual belief, so I had to put my music career on pause. Also I was becoming a father for the first time, so I had to make time for my family and become an exemplary father figure.

Q: And are you pleased with the final outcome? (Sound - production wise)

A: I am satisfied the way the album has come out, in terms of music and album cover. I wanted to make a good presentation on my fourth album for all my fans. The album can also be presented as a Christmas gift to a fan.

Q: Please inform us about your favourite songs and lyrical highlights and why?

A: Since I started my career, I have written so many songs and all the songs that I have written are like my small babies. It will be really hard for me to select a song, all are precious to me.

Q: Any overall theme or mood that you try to capture while writing songs?

A: All my songs revolve around love, from the beginning till the end. I want to spread the message of love through the community.

Q: How would you describe the sound of your new CD to new fans?

A: It all started in 2002, and I have grown to become the singer I am today. Each artist has got his/her own talent and charisma, that’s what makes us unique in many ways. That said, I invite new fans to buy a copy of the album and voice out their opinion so that I can grow and make better music.

Q: Who are your influences and heroes? (music-wise)

A: To be honest I was influenced by all artists, we all have different styles of music. So I was able to study each one, and bring my own uniqueness in the local music industry.                                                                                                                                                                         

Q: How do you feel about the way people interpret your songs?

A: Some people can identify with my songs, they can relate through my lyrics.

Q: What job do you think you would be doing now if you didn't have your music career?

A: If I was not singing, I would be in the construction industry. I did two years at the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT), where I got a diploma in construction. So today I have realised that I need to do both, construction and singing, and also I’m a presenter on Paradise FM.

Q: If you were to give someone advice on life or how to start songwriting, what would you say?

A: Each people have got talent, you need to be confident and start writing lyrics.  When I wrote my first song I was not confident enough, so I wanted to seek for an artist’s opinion, but unfortunately he stole my lyrics. So if you believe that you have talent, do not hesitate to show it, and advertise it.

Q: Who would you say is your inspiration for your love of music, and why? How long does it normally take you to write a song?

A: My inspiration comes from love; you can give out love to everyone. Writing a song can be quite challenging in so many ways, because you don’t have like a time frame to finish a project. Sometimes inspiration comes from the heart, and you need to be ready to write it down.

Q: Any last word?

A: I was absent for four years, but the love of music was always there in my mind. This time I am back for good, and I will make all my fans proud.

Compiled by U.J.