Boy, do I have a treat for you. Just in time for summer, let me introduce MANIKA (pronounced Ma-NEE-ka). This fresh new talent combines sweet, melodic pop vocals with an effervescent personality to create the perfect summer single. Managed by Frank DiLeo (Michael Jackson‘s long-time manager) and CeCe Sammy (of UK’s Pop Idol), MANIKA plans to release her debut single, “Just Can’t Let You Go,” June 14th on Wamaframa Records, distributed by Sony/RED. The infectious single, which features Young Money’s own Lil Twist, was written and produced by Tearce Kizzo and Francci (Keyshia Cole, Pattie LaBelle, JoJo) and is accompanied by a sweet-as-pie video clip, directed by Travis Payne (choreographer and associate producer of Michael Jackson‘s This Is It).
Still in the studio, perfecting her debut album, MANIKA is collaborating with top producers and songwriters including Qura Rankin & Evan Bogart (Beyonce, Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, Jennifer Lopez) as well as Tearce and Francci. Expect an album as well as a tour later this year. MANIKA is looking to take over summer pop radio stations with her debut single and according to Frank DiLeo, she has what it takes to extend her reach far beyond the summer season.
“MANIKA is a supernova ready to explode. She’s a very rare and unique talent, who can do it all. She sings, she acts, she writes and delivers everything with her trademark style of sassiness and soul. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to discover her. The Kid has it.”
Not only is MANIKA beautiful but she’s also talented – a winning combination if you ask me. Her worldly good looks come from her mixed heritage, including Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian and Spanish. The talented artist is winner of the Outstanding Performance Award three years in a row at the National Performing Arts Festival in New York City and at the age of 15, she wrote and published her first children’s book, donating proceeds to the Nevada SPCA animal shelter. Talented and philanthropic. Amazing! While “Just Can’t Let You Go” may be too saccharine sweet for some, I think it’s the perfect song for summer. Think HOKU meets Charice for 2011. Love! I also am loving Lil Twist, who also featured in Music Is My King Size Bed-favorite, Dionne Bromfield‘s new single “Foolin’.” All in all, a great start for a promising new talent.