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#MusicExchange: Marianthe Panas

13 Aug 2019

There's a fresh new face on the local pop front as 18-year-old Marianthe bursts onto the music scene with her powerful debut single "Me & Myself".

Inspired by acts like Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and Clean Bandit, Marianthe has blended her love for pop music with powerful messaging to release her debut single.

Marianthe hopes to inspire listeners with her message of self-love. “The song is about getting over someone who caused you pain and heartache and finding strength in yourself to move on from toxic relationships,” Marianthe says.

The singer worked with co-writer and producer Daniel Baron on the track and together, they came up with a song that’s both powerful lyrically and that draws influence from some of her favourite pop musicians in the music space today.

I caught up with the pop sensation, last week.

When are you happiest?

My passion is performing arts. I train in acting, singing and dancing so being able to do that every day is when I’m happiest.

What does music mean to you?

Music is a way to express myself. I especially love musical theatre because I can become someone completely different and tell a story through song and dance.

What drives you: ego or humility?

Definitely humility. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt is that to always be humble and grateful for any opportunities that come my way no matter how big or small.

Your heroes?

When I was very young and first started singing, every day I would come home and sing to Taylor Swift so I kind of grew up admiring her and her determination to never give up and to see her become the international star she is today is so amazing.

What is your most treasured possession?

My cat. I’m definitely a crazy cat lady. I even have cat slippers! :)

Dream gig to do?

Perform on the West End at any of the theatres.

What makes you stand out?

What surprises many people is the fact that I sing in many different genres. I grew up training classically so I am quite versatile when it comes to singing in different languages and styles like opera.

Nicknames?

Haha! My name is long and it’s not easy to find a nickname, we’ve tried.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would go into business if I were not a musician.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Humble, determined, caring, motivated, sensitive.

What song changed your life?

“Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Barbara Streisand from the musical, Funny Girl. When I was 14, I auditioned to be part of the Born To Perform showcase at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.

At that point, I knew I wanted to sing and I knew as soon as I stepped on that stage that music was what I wanted to pursue in my life.

Favourite fashion garment?

It’s definitely not fashion, but I love sweatpants.

Your greatest achievement?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have had amazing opportunities so far.

When I was 15 I performed in Supreme Divas at the Joburg Theatre, alongside Tima Reece, Lelo Ramasimong, Elizca Coetzer and Tracey-Lee Oliver and it was an incredible experience that I will always remember.

I’ve also had the privilege to perform alongside Kurt Darren, Jonathan Roxmouth, Samantha Peo, the winner of The Voice SA season one Richard Stirton and Idols 2017 winner Paxton.

Two years ago, when I was 16, I made it to the semi-finals of SA’s Got Talent where I placed third in my semi-final and, at the end of last year, I competed in Galleria’s Got Talent in Kloof, Durban where I came first. I’ve never won a competition before so this was so exciting! And to make it even better the prize was a trip for two to Los Angeles!

I’ve also performed with the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra who are incredible musicians and ones that I’m always so happy to work with.