Martin Nievera’s distinctive voice and music have been heard not only onstage, where he has reigned as the Philippines' concert king for 42 years now, but also in karaoke sessions, where it’s almost a Filipino party ritual to sing his many hit songs.

Asked if he has done karaoke with people singing his songs, the celebrated singer said: "It's funny, one time I walked into a karaoke room, that’s where I practice, and I heard someone next door singing Be My Lady.' No joke."

"You know what I did? I walked right in," Nievera continued, "and I said, 'This is not my room.' Then I walked out, and when I closed the door, everybody was screaming."

"I enjoy karaoke because I get to sing songs that I've never sung before, or that I wish I could sing, and fantasize that I'm part of the Chicago or Toto band."

Nievera is celebrating decades in the music industry through “The King 4Ever,” his concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila.

"September 27th, I get to sing my old hits again," he said. "So, if you're a fan or a follower and have been there with me for the last 42 years, that's what we’re celebrating."

The star has been at the forefront of Original Pilipino Music and delivering iconic hits. But while Filipinos know his music by heart, there is so much more to the man who sings them.

"Back in the day, we’d try to figure out what the audience wanted — [a] hit and miss," he said about his creative process. "But after 42 years, I realize it's my songs from the 80s that made me who I am today. So, I think it’s important this time around; it’s about bringing back the nostalgia of the Martin Nievera eras."

As his career has evolved, so has his perspective. Nievera now reflects on his journey with gratitude and a sense of peace.

"Everything for me is important. Every second that I give and that’s given back to me is very important to me," he added. "So, big or small, same guy, same songs."

Fans have long considered Nievera's music the soundtrack to their lives, a sentiment he now embraces after years of performing and sharing his journey.

Asked what song broke his heart, he shared it was "Before You Say Goodbye." Nievera said he only sung it once in his life.

"The day that I was served my annulment papers, the officer said, 'Boom, you have been served,'" the singer said. "I looked at the annulment paper, dropped to the ground in just my boxer shorts, and asked for my yellow pad. I wrote the lyrics to 'Before You Say Goodbye.'"

But even through the heartaches and triumphs, Nievera found joy in where he is today.

"What I know for sure is that I love the skin that I'm in today," he said. "I'm happy with the success that I have. I'm very eager for more failure, so I have more lessons in life. I like who I am."

Nievera continued: "I don't feel like I have to strut myself or be boastful because I'm happy with who I am, and I'm happy for those who come after me and are more successful than I am. I want to help them. I want to be part of it."

The concert is produced by another veteran singer-songwriter, Ogie Alcasid and his team.

"He's the best," Alcasid said of Nievera. "Martin was my idol when I was growing up."

Alcasid added: "Martin's cassette was the one I would play in my car when I was driving to school and college. I sang his songs every day. Eventually, he became my friend and then a close buddy."

Apart from performing his biggest hits, “The King 4Ever” will also feature several of Nievera’s fellow artist-friends who all volunteered to celebrate the concert king.