Marie-Line

Marie-Line Marolany, known simply as Marie-Line, is a French singer and songwriter. She represented France at the Eurovision Song Contest 1998. Her career spans backing vocals, composing music for films, and a later return as a solo artist. She is known for her vibrant blend of world music influences and energetic performances.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Marie-Line was born in Saint-Raphaël in the south of France. Her parents were from Martinique, giving her French-Caribbean roots. Music was part of her family life. Her father was a saxophonist, and her brothers had a band. As a teenager, Marie-Line started singing with her brothers’ group, which played soul and afro-punk music. She soon began writing her own songs and performing them in piano bars across France. In the early 1990s, she gained studio experience by recording two albums with the French rock band Raoul Petite. During this time, she also toured as a backing vocalist for well-known artists such as Jacques Higelin and Angélique Kidjo, among others. These experiences helped shape her musical style and stage presence.

Eurovision Song Contest 1998

By 1998, Marie-Line earned a chance to reach a wider audience. France Télévision selected her internally to represent France at the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 in Birmingham. She co-wrote and performed the song “Où aller?” (meaning “Where to?”). On the night of the final (May 9, 1998), Marie-Line took the stage third, accompanied by live musicians and backing singers. Her song stood out with its mix of French and Caribbean rhythms, reminiscent of France’s “exotic” entries from earlier in the decade. However, it received only 3 points in the voting and finished 24th out of 25 entries. 

Career as Backing Vocalist and Composer

After Eurovision, Marie-Line shifted her focus back to collaborative work. For many years she did not release new solo songs. Instead, she continued her career as a backing vocalist and composer. Marie-Line lent her voice and songwriting talent to other projects. Notably, she contributed music and vocals to several French films. In 1996, she performed an a cappella song titled “Cibiir Keur” for the soundtrack of the historical film Les Caprices d’un fleuve.

She also sang on or composed music for the soundtracks of Cuisine américaine (1998) and Agathe Cléry (2008). In 2010, her voice featured in the biographical film Gainsbourg: Vie héroïque, further showcasing her versatility. During this period, Marie-Line was frequently on tour providing backing vocals (and even dance performances) for famous French and African artists. She performed with legends of world music like Salif Keïta, Manu Dibango, and Femi Kuti, which kept her connected to the international music scene. This behind-the-scenes work honed her skills and maintained her passion for music.

“Youknow” Album and Recent Work

In the early 2010s, Marie-Line reemerged as a solo artist under the stage name Mariline Maro. She wrote new material and began performing it live. In 2012, she showcased songs at the World Music Expo (WOMEX) in Greece and staged a successful show in Paris. Finally, in 2013, Marie-Line released her debut solo album titled Youknow. The album became available on digital platforms in November 2013. Youknow perfectly reflects Marie-Line’s rich musical sensibility: it blends Afro-pop, soul, jazz, and pop influences into a smooth world music sound. She poured her emotional energy into the songs, creating music that is feminine, elegant, and powerful. To promote the album, Marie-Line embarked on an international tour. She performed in Denmark, Canada, and the United States, introducing new audiences to her music. One of the album’s standout tracks, “Mon bonheur,” was presented live in Denmark and received warm reception.