Jamaica Magazine (Jamaicans.com) pays tribute to world renowned Jamaican singer Marcia Barrett, whose birthday is today October 14, 2024). Here are just a few details about her musical trajectory. For full article, read “From Solo Act to Boney M. to Solo Act: The Remarkable Career of Jamaican Singer Marcia Barrett” at Jamaica Magazine.
Marcia Barrett, born on 14 October 1948 in Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica, is a celebrated international singer whose vocal prowess helped catapult the disco sensation Boney M. to international stardom. From her early days in Jamaica to her breakthrough in Germany and subsequent rise to fame, Barrett’s career is one of resilience, determination, and exceptional talent.
From Jamaica to Germany
At the age of 13, Barrett left her homeland of Jamaica and moved to Croydon, England, where she joined her mother to continue her education. Though her beginnings were humble, Barrett’s passion for music soon began to shine. By the age of 18, she was already pursuing a career as a performer, a dream she continued to nurture when she moved to Germany at 19.
In Germany, she found her footing as a solo artist, touring the country and gaining recognition for her dynamic stage presence. She became affectionately known as “Marcia from Jamaica” and was given the titles “The Chocolate Beauty” and “The Firework from Jamaica” by her German audience. These early years laid the foundation for her future with Boney M. [. . .]
A Career Beyond Boney M.
As Boney M. disbanded in 1990, Marcia Barrett transitioned back to life as a solo artist. In 1999, she released her first solo album Survival, followed by Come into My Life in 2005. Barrett’s solo work reflected a broader range of influences, including a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s instrumental “Albatross,” for which she was allowed to add her own lyrics. [. . .]
Cancer, War & Survival
Despite her health struggles, Barrett’s spirit remained unshaken. Her autobiography Forward – My Life With and Without Boney M. was published in 2018, offering fans a detailed look at her life and career. In the book, Barrett reflects on her upbringing in Jamaica, the global success she found with Boney M., and her personal battles with illness.
Barrett is also known for her dedication to using music as a tool for change. Her 2003 benefit EP No War! Peace and Love reflected her opposition to the U.S. military intervention in Iraq, with proceeds supporting the War Child charity organization. [. . .]
For full article, see https://jamaicans.com/from-solo-act-to-boney-m-to-solo-act-the-remarkable-career-of-jamaican-singer-marcia-barrett/