Over the decades, Martin Nievera has built a successful career by consistently releasing music and performing live. His ability to adapt to changing musical trends has helped him maintain his title as the “Concert King.”
Nievera’s rise to fame in the 1980s was marked by a series of successful concerts that quickly established him as a major star in the Philippine music scene. His popularity surged after the release of his debut album, Martin…Take One in 1982, which featured hits like “Be My Lady.”
The success of his early albums led to high demand for his live performances. Known for his powerful voice and engaging stage presence, Nievera’s concerts attracted large audiences. This early success in selling out shows solidified his reputation as one of the country’s leading performers and earned him the title “Concert King.”
But how exactly did he get the moniker, which has remained with him ever since?
“I got that title from the press. Bob Castillo of People’s Journal gave it to me, but he meant it sarcastically,” Martin recalled. “He was mad at me for some reason. Only before he passed did we become friends. He wrote something like ‘concert king kuno,’ so it became my title.”
Beyond concerts, Nievera’s appearances on television, and his roles as a host and mentor on various music shows, also contributed to his widespread recognition and influence in the industry.
“When I was young and you had to sing a song, it had to be a Martin song, and it had to be sung the same way he did. He was like the standard for any singer,” said Ogie Alcasid, who is producing Martin’s 42nd anniversary concert The King 4Ever, happening on Sept. 27 at the Araneta Coliseum.
The concert, according to Martin, was Ogie’s idea.
“Actually, all of this was Ogie’s idea. He said, ‘It’s about time you had another big concert.’ Ogie and Cacai (Mitra) are the masterminds behind this because I have my fears. At Solaire, I’m happy there. I didn’t think I needed to be back at a big venue—it’s scary. As a soloist, you’re on your own. There was a time when just my name was enough to fill a venue. So, let’s see if they (the fans) are all still alive,” Martin said during the press conference at Solaire North, Quezon City.
When Ogie was asked why they produced a concert for Martin, he jokingly replied, “Gary (Valenciano) is not available.”
“It was during the first-month special of ABS-CBN when we were together, chatting and discussing plans for 2024. I finally asked him, ‘When are you going to do your concert?’ He said ‘no.’ So I said, ‘Let’s produce your concert.’ He replied, ‘If you want to.’ He thought I wasn’t serious.
“So when we put it together, I said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and I asked Cacai to join us—she’s the best producer in our family. So here we are.
“You know, Martin is very humble and doesn’t want to be called king. But he is our king. He is our Concert King. If he doesn’t want to say it, I will—he is the Concert King forever,” Ogie added.
Several other artists, including Regine Velasquez and Gary Valenciano, have promised to join Martin’s anniversary show. His ex-wife, Pops Fernandez, will also be joining the concert, along with their son, Robin, who recently made them grandparents with the birth of his son, Phineas.
The King 4Ever will be directed by Paolo Valenciano and will have Louie Ocampo as the musical director.
