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Maarja KiviEstonian singer, former lead singer of the band Vanilla Ninja
Date of Birth: 18.01.1986
Country:  Estonia |
Content:
- Maarya Kivi: A Talented Estonian Singer
- Vanilla Ninja Era
- Solo Career
- Rebranding and Debut Album
- International Recognition
- Acclaimed Talent
- Family Ties
Maarya Kivi: A Talented Estonian Singer
Humble BeginningsMaarya Kivi, a renowned Estonian vocalist, was born in Tallinn on January 18, 1986. Her musical journey commenced at an early age, with her learning the saxophone at school for eight years. Her musical prowess extended to the bass guitar and piano, which she taught herself to play.
Vanilla Ninja Era
In 2002, Maarya co-founded the band Vanilla Ninja, becoming their lead vocalist and bassist. Her powerful voice and captivating stage presence propelled the band to prominence, with their first two albums, "Vanilla Ninja" and "Traces of Sadness," gaining significant popularity. However, in 2005, Maarya left Vanilla Ninja to focus on motherhood.
Solo Career
Maarya's solo career was ignited with the release of her debut single, "Could You," in 2006. This was followed by "Shine It On" in September of the same year, which made her a household name in the Baltic region. However, a dispute with her record label over the use of the stage name "Maarja" led to a termination of their contract.
Rebranding and Debut Album
In December 2007, Maarya rebranded herself as Marya Roxx to distance herself from her Vanilla Ninja past. She collaborated with renowned producer Kevin Shirley to release her debut single, "21?!" in 2008. This was followed by her debut album, "Payback Time," in 2009. Recorded in Malibu with a star-studded band of musicians, the album showcased Marya Roxx's powerful vocals and eclectic musical style.
International Recognition
From 2007 onwards, Marya Roxx has resided in Los Angeles while maintaining close ties to the Estonian community. She has toured extensively, including a notable performance at the Rock Summer-25 festival in Tallinn in 2013, where she shared the stage with legendary musicians Vinnie Appice, James Lomenzo, and Brent Woods.
Acclaimed Talent
Throughout her career, Marya Roxx has garnered numerous accolades. She is the only three-time winner of the Estonian children's singing competition "Laulukarusell," having triumphed in 1993, 1994, and 1998. She also won the "Tähtede laul" (Song of the Stars) competition in 1997 and placed seventh in the Estonian Eurovision selection in 2002.
Family Ties
Marya Roxx's parents, Riina and Madis Kivi, are successful entrepreneurs in the sporting and tourism industry. Her father, Madis, is a close friend of renowned Russian satirist Semyon Altov. Marya Roxx has a brother, Vahur, and two sisters, Helen and Kristi. She met her husband, Rene Meriste, while she was in Vanilla Ninja, and they married in 2004. Together, they have two children, Dora-Liisa and Angus Martin.
