26/05/2010 Marcia Barrett in Berlin

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Music As Cultural Diplomacy - The Strength of Song:
Keynote Address and Live Concert by Marcia Barrett
(Wednesday, 26th May, 20:00)

The world renowned singer Marcia Barrett (lead singer of Boney M), will speak on the power of music to cross boundaries, reflecting on her experiences in Northern Ireland, Russia, Georgia and others. Following her speech Ms. Barrett will perform a live acoustic concert of her greatest hits for the Symposium participants, speakers, and invited guests from Berlin’s political and diplomatic communities.

Marcia Barrett
Recording Artist, Original member of Boney M.
Marcia Barrett was born in St. Catherine, Jamaica. She moved to Britain at the age of thirteen to live with her mother and to continue her education. She rose to international fame as one of the original vocalists with the acclaimed pop group Boney M.

Currently, Ms. Barrett is touring with her own Boney M. lineup and has recently performed on various international stages, including India, Georgia, Greece and Kazakhstan. She now lives in Germany with her husband Marcus James.

Ms. Barrett's professional career began in 1971 when she was signed to Metronome records and released her record debut "Could Be Love". She was asked to join Boney M. in 1975 and was featured on the group's first hit single "Daddy Cool". After a performance on the German TV show Musikladen in support of the group's first album "Take the Heat Off Me", Boney M. suddenly began to top charts all over Europe.

The next decade saw major international success and fame for the band and its members. Ms. Barrett was a member of Boney M. until the group split up in 1990. As a solo artist, Ms. Barrett saw success with her albums "Survival and "Come Into My Life", which were released in 1999 and 2005, respectively. She founded her own record label, Xoah Records, in 2009.

Ms. Barrett was an ardent oppose of the U.S. military intervention in Iraq and released a benefit EP titled "No War! Peace and Love", whose proceeds went to the War Child charity organization. Her touring schedule has taken her to many conflict ridden countries; she and her band strive to convey messages of peace and reconciliation through their music and their concert experiences.

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