On August 23, 2024, Mozambican singer and dancer Marllen Julieta Ngoenha Matingane, artistically known as Marllen Preta Negra, will turn 41 years old. Born in 1983 in Maputo, Marllen began her artistic career at age 15 as a theater actress, participating in various theater companies. Simultaneously, she developed her career as a singer, dancer, and guitarist.
At 18, Marllen formed the dance group “Kina Fusion” and gained popularity after participating in the reality show “Fantástico”. In 2005, she released her first original song, “Ximate”, which was nominated for popular song on the program “N'goma Moçambique”. In 2007, she joined the agency “Bang Entretenimento” and released her first album, “Negra Africana”.
In 2008, she released her second album, "Preta Negra," through the agency "Celebrity Produções," solidifying her place in the music scene. In 2009, she won the reality show "Dança dos Artistas" and toured the United States. Throughout her career, Marllen has also been involved in various social causes, such as the fight against infant mortality, for which she was named an Ambassador.
In 2011, she launched Mozambique's first black doll, "Boneca Preta Negra" (Black Black Doll). That same year, she completed her higher education in Cultural Management. In 2014, after a period away from the stage due to motherhood, Marllen returned to the music scene and participated in the reality show "Coke Studio Africa" in Kenya. In 2015, she released the song "Swivanga Xirilo" to support the victims of the floods in Mozambique.
Marllen continues to play an important role in Mozambican culture, with a legacy that includes three independent albums and several social initiatives. Currently, she remains active in the music and social scene, contributing to the country's cultural development.
