Mari Michael

Mari Michael

From the Heart of Jozi comes an unusual vocal talent. But it's Mari Michael's versatility and song writing skills that makes her new album "Droom" a force to be reckoned with. Mari's sheer determination, hard work and a stubborn refusal to never give up that has kept her going through a long and rocky road.

Young at heart

Mari knew at the tender age of 6 already that the destiny for her life was to be a singer and an actress and strived all of her school career to become as skilled as possible in both. Singing in choirs, singing lessons, playing piano, drama lessons dominated all of her free time. At the young age of 13 Mari landed her first part in the Schuster comedy "There's a Zulu on my Stoep" as little Rowena, and the deal was sealed: Mari was in love with the entertainment industry!

A rocky start

Mari's parents were concerned about it being an unpredictable career and made sure that she got a solid education in business. This did not stop Mari from making her dreams come true. During her three year studies at RAU Mari Participated in the RAU Song and Dance Musicals, where she played Velma in their rendition of Chicago. Her performance got her noticed by an agent and after her graduation she joined their books and was cast two days later in Richard Loring's Girl talk-Nite out.

In the soap world

Mari quickly earned a reputation of being an intensely emotional actress, and played the part of Bessie in
Molo Fish II and Melissa Fisher on eTV's Backstage. Backstage was also the perfect soap to showcase Mari's mix of singing, acting and dancing talents. It earned her the People Magazine Crystal award for Best Female Newcomer in 2005. Mari's most recent work was on Danie Odendaal's 7de Laan as Gerda, the distressed mother of a kidnapped baby.

God Bless Africa

Her hard work gained her the experience to become very passionate and intense performer. She had to transform her singing technique from opera to commercial. Mari tried her hand at secular music she but always knew in her heart that gospel music was what she was meant to be doing. "As an artist you have to be passionate about what you are writing. You have to have something to say. I don't know how not to write music about God and my beliefs," she said. The lack of a record deal did not dissuade Mari and with God's help she produced "God Bless Africa" herself, composing 10 of the 12 songs.

Unexpected news

The songs "God Bless Africa" got the attention of Spirit Music, they signed her and she released her seond album "Droom". Mari was ready to take on the world, but life had other plans. Not to long afte,r she found out that she was pegnant with her first child and soon after that, the day before Christmas, she was diagnosed with cancer. Mari trusted God to get her and the baby safely thorugh and He did. After a dangerous surgery and chemo therapy, Kendra was born safely at 37 weeks and Mari was cancer free! During this time she held fast to this verse Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you". A song on her album "Ek is nooit alleen nie"also kept her going. She says "God is loving beyond comprehention. I wondered why I wrote this song when I did. God sent me a word before I even needed it! Before my situation had even happened, He was telling me that He never leaves me nor forsakes me."

Dream come true

Mari has spent many years on stage and her brand of Gospel singing, is lively youthful and is testimony of a sincere love for God. Her album is called "Droom" as she believes that there is a dream for everyone in God's heart and this album is a dream come true for her. One can expect vibey old favorites and unforgettable new songs from 'Droom'. Mari Michael and Johan Heystek have spent many hours selecting songs and perfecting this offering in studio, to make sure that it will bring something exiting and new to the table. The lyrics will speak to your heart and the beats and melodies will call you to dance and sing for the Lord!