Published on January 15th, 2016 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Who is Billboard’s #15 sales charting artist Manika?

Manika (pronounced Ma-NEE-ka) is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, producer, reality TV-show host and published author. She was discovered by Michael Jackson’s long-time manager (music exec Frank DiLeo). Manika toured with One Direc
tion on their North American tour. She also performed at KISS FM’s Wango Tango, the Hollywood Style Awards, the nationally-televised Hallmark Hollywood Christmas Parade, headlined the Girl Scouts’ 100th Anniversary Tour and headlined Pepsi’s Shop Til You Rock Tour.

Recently Manika was the headline performer to 200,000 people and 650 movie theaters (streamed through Fathom Events). This performance was also nationally and internationally televised (via Discovery Network).

Manika is currently in filming as the host of a new reality TV-show (“Global Beauty Masters”) to air on the TLC Network in February. Manika also recently headlined Light nightclub in Mandalay Bay Las Vegas and Hakkasan nightclub in MGM Las Vegas. She also performed on the main stage at MGM’s 2015 “Wine Amplified” music festival with 50 Cent, Sublime, and Panic! At The Disco.

Manika’s last single (“B.Y.O.Bugatti”) charted number 12 in the United States on the Billboard Sales Chart. Manila wrote and co-produced her new single — “I Might Go Lesbian” featuring Tyga, which has just been released to Top 40 and Rhythmic radio now (charting at number 15 in the United States on the Billboard Sales Chart).

This emerging star took time from her radio show “Manika’s Love Line” on DJ Skee and LA Reid’s radio network, Dash Radio to answer a few questions…

From the outside looking in, who is Manika?

I try to keep my song lyrics as genuine as possible…censor-free and not afraid to say what’s on my mind. So I’d say from the outside looking in, Manika is me. Although, I do admit I definitely do not look as glamorous as I do in my music videos when I wake up… And I probably spat about twenty horrible rhymes to get that one genius one that made the cut on each of my tracks. LOL 😛

What brought you to the entertainment industry, music specifically?

Music has always been my passion. On stage is where I’ve always felt most comfortable. I started off just participating in my school’s music program. When we competed in New York City in the National Performing Arts Festival, I won the most outstanding performance award three years in a row, which caught Frank DiLeo’s attention (Michael Jackson’s long-time manager). That, and some videos I posted on YouTube. I moved from Las Vegas to Hollywood for a few years while Frank broke me into the music industry. Now I’m fortunate enough to be able to live where I want part-time. My lovely hometown Las Vegas <3.

What do you want people get from your music?

Music makes me feel good. I hope my music makes people feel good. Whether they are inspired, touched, can relate or like to party to it.

Tell us about your current project and your latest single.

My current single is “I Might Go Lesbian (feat. Tyga)”. I’ve always loved Tyga’s music and one my favorite songs of all time is his “Rack City”. So, I was so excited when I found out he wanted to collab with me as well! I really appreciate all the time and effort he put into the song and music video. He did an amazing job and we definitely made some magic together! 🙂 Watch our music video:

For new listeners, what song of yours would you pick as an introduction to you?

Check out my song “B.Y.O.Bugatti” if you really wanna hear me rhyme… faster than you’ve ever heard before, you don’t even know what I have in store… 😉

Besides music, you’ve penned children’s books and you are an animal advocate…tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music…

When I was 15-years-old I wrote my first book — a 144-page children’s book that teaches children important life lessons. I donated the money from the books I sold to the ASPCA Animal Shelter and served as the Nevada division’s teen spokesperson. I also toured inner city schools and children’s hospitals to give free writing workshops and book readings. I also really like hosting. I just finished filming as the host of reality TV-series “Global Beauty Masters” airing on TLC in February 🙂

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

It was so crazy touring North America with One Direction! That was my first time performing in sold-out arenas every night! Also breaking Top 20 in Billboard Sales was one of those surreal moments! My last single “B.Y.O.Bugatti” got number 12 and “I Might Go Lesbian (feat. Tyra)” is currently number 15 in the U.S.

Get Social:

Manika has four-and-a-half million fans on Facebook and Twitter. You can visit her social sites at:

ManikaOfficial.com (official website)

facebook.com/ManikaOfficial (facebook page)

twitter.com/ManikaOfficial (twitter @ManikaOfficial )

youtube.com/ManikaOfficial (youtube channel)

instagram.com/ManikaOfficial (instagram @ManikaOfficial )

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.