Sarbel

Sarbel Michael Maronitis was born on May 14, 1981, in Southgate, London, England. His father, Elias, was a Greek Cypriot singer and bouzouki player, and his mother, a Lebanese Maronite, worked as a lawyer. Growing up, Sarbel often visited Greece and Cyprus with his family. He attended St Ignatius’ College in Enfield, where he studied music, drama, art, and performing arts. Between the ages of 5 and 16, he performed with the English National Opera and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, notably recording the role of the shepherd boy in “Tosca” for Chandos Recordings.​

At 18, Sarbel moved to Crete, Greece, where he performed at the Heraklion Palladium. By 21, he signed a six-year contract with Sony BMG Greece. In 2004, he released his debut single, “Se Pira Sovara,” a duet with Greek singer Irini Merkouri, which gained significant popularity in Greece and Cyprus. The following year, he released his first solo album, “Parakseno Sinesthima,” which achieved gold status.​

In July 2006, Sarbel released his second album, “Sahara,” featuring a duet with Natassa Theodoridou titled “Na’ Soun Thalassa.” The album included songs like “Taxe Mou,” “Sahara,” and “Enas Apo Mas.”​

In 2007, Sarbel represented Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki with the song “Yassou Maria.” He secured 7th place with 139 points. Following Eurovision, “Sahara” was re-released as “Sahara: Euro Edition,” including “Yassou Maria” as a bonus track.​

In 2008, he released his third album, “Kati San Esena,” featuring the single “Eho Trelathei.” That year, he performed at Votanikos club in Athens alongside Natassa Theodoridou and Nikos Kourkoulis. He also performed at the Cyprus Wine Festival in London.​

In July 2009, Sarbel released a two-track CD single titled “Mou Pai” under the E.DI.EL label, featuring the song “So Perfect,” which he co-wrote. He toured internationally, performing in Australia and Egypt.​

In 2011, he released the single “Kafto Kalokairi,” followed by “Pou Na Girnas” in November. The music video for “Kafto Kalokairi” was filmed on the cruise ship Cristall. 

In early 2013, he released the single “Proti Ptisi” and subsequently toured in Crete, Athens, Beirut, and Cyprus. He also became involved with his new record company, Honeybel Music, which produces lounge music predominantly purchased and used in Dubai.​

In 2024, Sarbel released the single “Mia Fotia,” which is available on Last.fm. In March 2025, it was announced that Sarbel would be performing in Australia for the first time in 15 years. ​