Mereba


Marian Mereba, better known mononymously as Mereba,, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer.

Early Life

Born on September 19, 1990, Mereba was raised in Philadelphia, and developed an interest in music at age 4. Starting with singing, Mereba eventually learned to play piano, and then guitar. Mereba's parents moved frequently to accommodate their jobs as university professors. Mereba went to high school in Greensboro, North Carolina. She also spent nearly a year living in Ethiopia, her father's home country.

Education

After graduating high school at 17, Mereba continued her education at her parents' insistence, attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. She eventually transferred in 2009 to the liberal arts women's college Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, seeking to immerse herself in its black culture. Mereba graduated from Spelman with an English degree and a Music minor.

Career

2000's: Early Work

While she was studying at Spelman, Mereba spent some time signed to Def Jam, songwriting for other artists.

2013–2017: ''Room For Living'', ''Radio Flyer'', and Spillage Village

In 2013, Mereba self-released Room For Living EP, under her full name.
A follow up EP, Radio Flyer, was slated for release on July 29, 2014, under Atlanta record label Red Kotton, but it was never released. Two lead singles from the EP, "September" and "Radio Flyer" later appeared on the 2017 EP, Kotton House, Vol. 1, which was released through Jam Solutions/Remote Control Music.
Mereba collaborated with Atlanta hip-hop collective Spillage Village on their 2015 release, Bears Like This Too. She also has collaborations with Spillage Village members EARTHGANG, JID, and 6LACK, on numerous projects.

2018–2019: ''The Jungle Is The Only Way Out''

In 2018, Mereba was signed by Interscope Records. Singles "Black Truck" and "Planet U" were released in 2018, and would go on to appear in her debut album, The Jungle Is The Only Way Out, released February 27, 2019. Earmilk reviewed the album, stating "As an album serving to break through to the masses, this album will undoubtedly provide the measuring stick to which all future releases are compared to."

Influences

Mereba cites her Ethiopian heritage as a major influence on her music. Other musical influences include Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., TLC, Alanis Morissette, Madonna, Michael Jackson,Nirvana, and Tracy Chapman.

Discography

Studio Albums

EPs

Singles

Guest Appearances