Mariama Whyte

Whether in the recording studio, featured on national stages or crafting a poignant song, Mariama Whyte has the secret recipe that is certain to satisfy even the most discerning palette. She has played leading roles in the Broadway national tours of The Color Purple (“Celie” and “Nettie”) and The Lion King (“Rafiki” and “Shenzi.”) A mother, author and graduate of The College of Wooster, Mariama has performed on the Oprah Winfrey Show, shared the stage with mega-producer David Foster, acted alongside Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child and has been featured on national and local ad campaigns. Before she headed for Broadway, she landed the lead role of Karin in independent film, "Through Jessie's Window" and a powerful featured role of "Ida Jackson" in Cleveland Play House's production of "The Amen Corner." As a young child, Mariama was immersed in music and performance--studying voice, acting, piano and violin. It was clear to her early on that music, acting and writing would be integral parts of her life and has since become a great all-around performer and profound songwriter. Born to a Jamaican father and an African-American mother and raised in the Cleveland OH, Mariama absorbed the sounds of soul, pop, jazz, rock, hip-hop, Broadway musicals, gospel and reggae. She brings a fresh sound she describes as “contemporary R&B with splashes of world and rock music,” evidenced in her eclectic debut EP “Find Your Light." Influenced by countless entertainment icons like Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, Halle Berry, Sting and Stevie Wonder, Mariama delivers passion and heart in every performance. Equally vibrant behind the scenes, Mariama has a broad songwriting scope and is always penning new, unique ideas. Mariama is a young woman of undeniable skill, talent and exceptional artistry, a rare gem. She is at home as an actor, singer and writer and her star is definitely on the rise.