Mariama Whyte is a creative force as a singer, songwriter, actor, and speaker. Acclaimed and recognized for her versatility and strength on stage, screen, and behind the scenes, Mariama is pulled by her deep desire to inspire, entertain and empower her audiences.
Mariama has performed in the Broadway National Tours of The Lion King and The Color Purple and several regional music and theatre stages in Northeast Ohio including Severance Hall, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Play House, and Karamu House. She has reached a wide global audience through her powerful TEDx talk, How To Trust Your Voice and Speak with Confidence Anywhere and her several music releases available online, including her most recent uplifting single, Eyes On Me. Mariama has shared the stage with world renowned performers and musicians, David Foster, John Legend, and Michelle Williams and been a featured performer with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. As a keynote and guest speaker she has served corporations, schools, and universities including Universal Destinations and Experiences, General Federation of Women's Clubs, and Cleveland State University, incorporating performance of her music to enhance her message. As a screen actor, she has been featured in various films, regional and national ad campaigns, and appeared in American Rust starring Jeff Daniels. Recognized for her unique and versatile artistry, she has been awarded artist fellowships from prestigious organizations, Cleveland Arts Prize and Karamu House, the oldest African-American producing theatre in the country.
As founder and CEO of her production company, Earth to Mars Entertainment, LLC, Mariama releases music projects, produces and headlines special events, creates custom song productions for individual and business clients, and performs and speaks at private and corporate engagements. Her most recent sold out event, EXPANSION - A Special Evening with Mariama Whyte, was a huge success where she gave both an inspirational keynote address and a full performance of her original new music.
Growing up, Mariama was often afraid to speak publicly and it was through performing that she found the joy and confidence to be in front of an audience and share her voice. She was immersed in music and performance--studying voice, acting, piano and violin. It was clear to her early on that singing, acting and writing would be integral parts of her life and has since become a great performer, profound songwriter, and dynamic speaker. Born to a Jamaican father and an African-American mother, Mariama absorbed the sounds of soul, pop, jazz, rock, hip-hop, Broadway musicals, gospel and reggae, making her the eclectic artist she is today. A mother and author as well, Mariama released her first ebook, Single Mother's Soul : Reflections for a Joyful and Empowered Life, to encourage and inspire fellow single mothers.
