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Marian Azeb Mereba (born September 19, 1990), known mononymously as Mereba, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer.

Early life and education

Mereba was born in Montgomery, Alabama on September 19, 1990, and raised in Pennsylvania. Her father is from Ethiopia. Her mother is African American and was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her family moved frequently because of her parents' jobs as university professors.

Mereba first developed an interest in music at age four. She began writing songs in elementary school and learned to play the piano and guitar. She went to high school in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Mereba attended Carnegie Mellon University before transferring Spelman College. She graduated from Spelman in 2011 with an English degree and a music minor.

Career

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

After several years performing in the indie music scene in Atlanta, Mereba self-released her debut project Room For Living EP, under her full name, on February 14, 2013.

2018–2019, 2021: The Jungle is the Only Way Out & "Glock Peaceful"

In 2018, Mereba signed to Interscope Records, releasing the singles "Black Truck" and "Planet U", which went on to appear on her debut album, The Jungle Is The Only Way Out, released February 27, 2019. The album, often acronymed as TJITOWO, was written and produced by Mereba with co-production by Samuel Hoffman, excluding the 9th Wonder-produced track, "Black Truck".

On December 13, 2021, Mereba released "Glock Peaceful", which envisions a country free of gun violence and police brutality. The song was featured on season 5 of the show Insecure produced by Issa Rae on HBO Max.

2024-present: The Breeze Grew a Fire

In October 2024, it was announced Mereba signed a deal with Secretly Canadian, releasing the single "Counterfeit", which served as the lead single to her upcoming second album The Breeze Grew a Fire. The album is scheduled to be released on February 14, 2025.

Influences

Mereba has cited Stevie Wonder as a mentor and musical influence. In 2017, she performed alongside Wonder in Malibu.

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

Singles

Guest appearances

References

1. "Mereba finds exceptional strength and love on AZEB EP". June 3, 2021.
2. https://www.interscope.com/artists/mereba
3. ^ Martin, Syreeta (July 22, 2016). "[BLACK, FRESH & 20-SOMETHING]Singer/Songwriter Marian Mereba". EBONY. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
4. ^ "INTERVIEW: Marian Mereba on her musical journey, her tree hugging ways & the Atlanta music scene". AFROPUNK. September 16, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
5. ^ "Mereba Is a Musician Who Thrives on Discomfort". www.lofficielusa.com. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
6. Wong Ken, Steph (February 14, 2020). "Mereba and the Never-Ending Story of the Jungle". She Shreds Media. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
7. "Mereba". Spotify. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
8. "Room For Living EP, by Marian Mereba". Marian Mereba. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
9. Kermah, Jonathan. "Mereba, Solange and black women leading the charge in music". Amherst Wire. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
10. Kim, Michelle (October 1, 2018). ""Planet U" by Mereba (review)". Pitchfork.
11. "10 songs you need in your life this week". The FADER. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
12. "Mereba Relays Emotionally-Layered Dynamism in 'The Jungle is the Only Way Out'". Hypebeast. February 27, 2019. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
13. Lyle, Ashley (February 28, 2019). "Mereba Captivates Her Audience During "The Jungle Is The Only Way Out" Listening". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
14. "Mereba: AZEB EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
15. Inman, DeMicia (November 30, 2021). "Issa Rae Shares 'Insecure' Season 5 Soundtrack Tracklist Featuring Saweetie, Mereba, And More". VIBE.com. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
16. Strauss, Matthew. "Mereba Announces First Album Since 2019, Shares Video for New Song "Counterfeit"". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
17. "interview | mereba". Schön! Magazine. June 17, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
18. Schemmer, Cynthia (February 14, 2020). "Mereba and the Never-Ending Story of the Jungle". She Shreds Media. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
19. "An Evening with Stevie Wonder & Mereba". Retrieved March 16, 2019.
20. Thomas, Amara. "J.I.D Premieres Reflective New Single, "Letter"". The Fader. Retrieved May 14, 2019.

• 1990 births
• Living people
• African-American women singers
• American rhythm and blues musicians
• Musicians from Montgomery, Alabama
• American people of Ethiopian descent
• Spelman College alumni
• Interscope Records artists
• Dreamville Records artists