Photo Credit Ogata | Styled by Dash Armstrong
Senegalese-American artist Marieme has built a career that fuses soul, spirituality, and electronic music into something unmistakably her own. With over 14 million streams, 200K monthly listeners, and collaborations spanning Groove Armada, Above & Beyond, Klangkarussell, and Vintage Culture, she’s carved a lane at the intersection of global dance culture and conscious songwriting. Her music has scored moments for Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV, and even a Michelle Obama x Oprah Netflix special.
On stage, Marieme’s voice has filled Red Rocks, Pacha Ibiza, and Burning Man’s Robot Heart, blending the transcendence of a club set with the intimacy of a soul performance. Named a “Powerhouse” by Glamour and a “Next-Gen Icon” by V Magazine, she continues to expand what an artist rooted in both ancestral rhythm and modern consciousness can sound like.
Her latest single, “Reason”, created with Bedouin, distills that vision into a hypnotic meditation; a track that channels love as something infinite and elemental.
What’s the story behind ‘Reason’ created with Bedouin?
I met Tamer and Rami when I was invited by Guy LaLiberte (founder of Cirque Du Soleil) to perform a few songs with my shadow at Bedouin Saga night in Pacha. Then the same year we got in the studio in Miami and we created the track.
I love Bedouins sound and for me it always give me Ancient hypnotic vibes, so when I started singing the words I wanted to tap into the highest form of existence Love, which is not bound by time and space and just is. I feel like the track just is, like it already existed and was channeled from all sides.
You’ve collaborated with global names like Groove Armada, Above & Beyond, and Klangkarussell. What have those partnerships taught you about connection and co-creation across different music worlds?
I was always nervous working with people of that caliber. I always walk into it grounded and try to honor the songs. I realize that I will always be a student and so I try to learn as much as I can from them and in the end by being authentic they’ve learned from me too which is cool. Music hits you when it’s good no matter what genre or language, and we’re all humans with same needs and so we all connect on that level.
For emerging artists, building genuine relationships can be just as important as making music. What’s your best advice for networking and connecting meaningfully in the industry?
Be real and honest, and don’t be too pushy and a no is just a moment thing, it could turn to a yes. And also create your own path, if you’re on your path people going the same way will find you, don’t wait for anyone.
What’s something cool you’ve done outside the usual stage and studio world that you’re especially proud of?
Facilitating song writing camp in Lesotho, Africa, for amazing kids and showing them how easy it is to create and express themselves. I did it as part of a non profit called Kick4life that I’m on the board of. It was so magical for me and I’m doing many more of that around the world. The kids in the beautiful school came up with a song about love and I learned to record so I could record their voices and then had a friend produce it. When the kids heard it we were all teary eyed. One thing was the magic of releasing creative energy and also realizing the possibilities are endless. And staring where you are.
You’ve performed everywhere from Burning Man to Red Rocks to Pacha Ibiza. What’s one unforgettable moment from your live shows that still gives you goosebumps?
Burningman was epic, I have a shadow clone suit I made to represent going inside ourselves and the inner space journey. And bringing it out for sunrise on the legendary Robot Heart bus was so profound for me and for people to see my shadow dancing and being fre showcased my healing in real time, which is what I want to do with music, help people heal.
What’s one of the best tips you’ve learned along the way that you think every artist should know?
Be truly yourself because only you can do what you do, don’t compare yourself to anyone else
What are you listening to right now that’s inspiring you?
My meditation music I’ve been making, LP Giobbi, Alice Coltrane
What are three things we’d always find in your bag?
Breath mint, honey throat spray, multiple USB’s, small perfume, lip gloss