Chris Martin (left) and Ce'Cile. - Contributed

Chris Martin jetted out yesterday en route to Kenya where he is set to perform in Nairobi, this Saturday. Over the past two weeks, the 2005 Rising Star winner performed on shows in Charlotte, North Carolina, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, and New York.

Last year, during the third year of the Kingston 10 Reggae Awards in Kenya, Martin was named Male Artiste of the Year for 2010 and is elated that the opportunity is finally here for him to perform there.

reggae still alive

"I'm looking forward to being in Africa again and performing for the wonderful people there," he said. "Africa reminds me so much of Europe where solid reggae music is still alive and well, contrary to the belief of many. The people are very responsive and appreciative of our work and I am looking forward to going there and making myself, my family and my country proud."

Martin, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Valentine's Day, is being accompanied by Ce'Cile and D-Major, who will also perform on Saturday. Ce'Cile reveals that she is itching to get to the motherland. "I am so super, super excited beyond words. I feel like it's the first time I am going anywhere outside of Jamaica to perform," she said yesterday while checking in at the Norman Manley International Airport. "It's Africa, man! Finally, I'm going to Kenya where my music is so appreciated. It's crazy!"

Besides the show on Saturday, dancehall's 'bad gyal' plans to see the sights and she might even get some work done as well. "I just did a combination with a Kenyan act named Wyre so we may shoot the video as well," she revealed.

She also plans to do some partying. "It's hard to go to Africa and not be cognisant of the heritage factor," she said.