Shaya (singer)

Marianna Hansen (born February 17, 1982 in Denmark), professionally known as Shaya, is a Danish-Greek singer famous in Greece and Cyprus for her participation in the all-girl band Hi-5, the result of the talent show "Popstars".

Early life

Born to a Danish father and a Guyanese mother, Shaya's family moved to Sweden after her parents' divorce while she was still young. As a teenager the family once more emigrated, this time to Thessaloniki, Greece, where she was educated in an English school.

Career

Shayahe released her first single, "Release Me", and toured Europe. She also found work as a performer in various clubs in Thessaloniki. Her big break came when she entered the Greek version of the popular idol show "Popstars" and won a spot in successful all girl band Hi-5. Shaya, along with the four other girls, Marlen Angelidou, Irini Psyhrami, Froso Papaharalambous, and Nansy Stergiopoulou, had numerous chart-topping albums and singles for several years. The band decided to split in 2005, amiably and quietly, so that each of its members (except Froso, who returned to Cyprus to resume her studies) could pursue solo careers while their success was still booming.

Since the split, Shaya has performed at a popular nightclub in Greece, Chiculata, performing with Greek artists such as Giorgos Xanthiotis, Sabrina, and Stathis Xenos. Her first CD, a duet with rapper Bob, was released in the summer.

External links

* [http://www.hi5mania.com/shaya/ Shaya's fan club]