Born in 1983 in Maputo, southern Mozambique, Marlene Julieta Ngoenha Matingane, known artistically as Marllen 'Preta Negra', has had a remarkable journey in music and the arts. Her career began at age 15 when she immersed herself in the world of theatre, performing with renowned companies such as ‘Mbeu’, “Mutumbela Gogo”, “Intyso” and “Mahamba”.
Her passion for dance and music blossomed simultaneously with her acting career. At 18, she founded the dance group "Kina Fusion" and gained prominence by participating in the television contest "Fantástico". Through her undeniable artistic ability, she soon launched her musical career.
Marllen not only captivated Mozambique, but also crossed borders. In 2005, she recorded her first original song entitled “Ximate”, which earned her recognition and an award on the “N'goma Moçambique” program on Radio Mozambique. The singer joined the “Bang Entretenimento” agency in 2007, releasing her first album “Negra Africana” and performing in several African countries, such as Angola and South Africa.
After collaborating with different agencies, Marllen experienced a turning point in her career. She won the reality television show "Dancing with the Stars" in 2009, establishing herself as one of the best dancers in Mozambique. Furthermore, she won hearts in the United States and was recognized as an ambassador in the fight against infant mortality, a significant milestone in her career.
Amidst her artistic achievements, Marllen also dedicated herself to social causes. She launched the "Black Doll" in 2011, an important initiative to promote Black representation, achieving great success both within and outside the country. Her commitment to humanitarian aid was also evident when she launched the "HELP MOZAMBIQUE" campaign after the 2015 floods, demonstrating her desire to use her influence to make a difference.
Over the years, Marllen has continued to surprise her audience with her artistic evolution and social commitment. Today, as we celebrate Marllen's birthday, it's impossible not to acknowledge the positive impact she has had on the Mozambican music industry and beyond. We wish Marllen a happy birthday and hope her journey continues to inspire and delight people around the world.
