We had the good fortune of connecting with JoJo Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JoJo, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I ever had to make was to slow things down when everything seemed to be going so well in order to do dialysis. It was a very hard decision. For awhile, I still tried to do so much and plan travel and work around my treatments, but it just became too stressful. At first, I felt like I had to choose between health or success. Then I realized that I could have them both, just at a different speed. I learned to do what I could and get healthy while doing it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am a gospel singer. My parents are pastors, so I started out in church, so that is my foundation. I’ve done so much along my journey. I got the opportunity to tour for the first time when I was in the 8th grade.

From there, I just continued to nurture my craft in and out of church. My parents sing as well, so our home was a musical home. Once I moved to Atlanta, I wasn’t sure what would happen for my singing career. I didn’t know a lot of people and didn’t know anything about the music scene.

A friend took me to a PJ Morton concert at Apache Cafe back in 2004. My life was changed. I was amazed! Some time passed and through a series of events, I was given an opportunity to tour singing background for PJ. Through that journey, I was able to sing and write for so many other artist of many different genres of music.

Having so many different, successful people allow me to be apart of their careers gave me a chance to mold my own career. It was then that I started climbing the ladder and getting out there more with so many people cheering and pushing me along the way. I have experienced so many no’s and not right now’s that I started to get discouraged, but I prayed and kept pushing.

Every yes that I received felt like the best thing ever and it just fueled me to work harder. I learned so many lessons along the way.

One, be exactly who you are and be sure about that.

Two, create what makes you happy. Do work that you actually believe in and are proud to attach your name to.

Three, no doesn’t mean you’re not good. Sometimes it just means you’re not ready to be as good as you soon will be.

Four, DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOURSELF! KEEP FIGHTING!!!

I want the world to know that along this journey I have adapted and grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve developed a deeper love for music and the way it’s composed. Now being a kidney transplant recipient, my path has changed. While the plan is the same, the path has branched out to so many different areas. From educating my community about organ donations and bettering our health… to educating the younger generation about living life.  Let’s not just be financially successful, but mentally and spiritually whole! There is an impact to be made on this world and I am dedicated to making it and improving it along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

So many amazing things I love to do in this city, but let’s see if I can put it all together lol….

Day 1, Grab breakfast at West Egg and then go around the city looking at the amazing sites in the different parts of town. Be foodies and eat lunch at Chattahoochee Food Works. Maybe, hit a store or shopping center to pick up some things. Cook and have friends over that night.

Day 2-4. Check out the Civil Rights Museum, The World of Coke, The GA Aquarium, Dr King Center, and check out the HBCU’S.

Then it’s weekend time!! Over the weekend, we would definitely check out some amazing eats around town such as Apt 4b, T’s Brunch Bar, Platez Southern Kitchen and Cocktails and Octopus Kitchen. We would play some kickball at Piedmont Park and if possible, catch a concert!

Sunday, we are definitely going to church and then Sunday dinner with family and friends would be an amazing way to end the week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank my entire family, my friends, and my faith community. Also, I’d like to thank my doctor, Dr. Frita Fisher and my Transplant team at Emory University Hospital. Special thanks to PJ Morton and the supportive team at Morton Records. I can’t forget my manager, Tanya James, and my amazing kidney donor, Britni Ruff.

Website: https://www.jojomartinmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojosvoice/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jojosvoice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jojosvoice

Image Credits
Chris Cavanaugh Tory Brown

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