Manika

Working with the music industry's highest caliber management, songwriting and production talent, Manika (pronounced Ma-NEE-ka) was discovered by Frank DiLeo, Michael Jackson's long-time manager. Manika-whose mixed heritage includes Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian and Spanish-brings intelligence, wit and tons of emotional life experiences to her songs. Early on, she won the "Outstanding Performance Award" three years straight at the National Performing Arts Festival in New York City. At age 15, she wrote and published "The Exciting Adventures of Boo", a fictional children's book and donated proceeds to the Nevada SPCA animal shelter. She also participates in writing workshops for young adults, visits Children's Hospital to read it to young cancer patients and their families, is active in spearheading book drives for needy children and endorses Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe recycling drive. These activities are just the beginning of the many philanthropic goals that Manika intends to pursue as her musical career takes off. Manika embodies what Pepsi's Refresh Project was looking for in a teen role model. She is touring the country and performing in front of thousands each week on their "Shop Till You Rock" Back to School tour, sponsored by Just Dance 2 video game. The only female artist invited on the tour this year, Manika is having a blast on the road. "I used to hang out at malls with my friends, now I have permission to throw a party at the mall with tons of teenagers engaging in good, clean fun," says Manika. Manika debuted her second single, a rock n' roll version of the holiday classic "White Christmas" as a feature performer at the 80th annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. Her latest single "Take a Little, Give a Little is has had rave reviews and has already been remixed by "Smoke Jumpers" radio. She is also the official ambassador and headlining singer on the Girl Scouts of American music tour, set to begin in January of 2012.