There are artists whose relationship with music goes beyond melodies and words, turning each note into a way of expressing emotions, experiences and personal identity. Mariella Papanaga, a singer and violinist born in 1999, presents her latest song, offering a new opportunity to discover the artistic sensibility and creative vision behind her music.

Mariella Papanaga, born Maria Papanaga in Moldova in 1999 and later moving to Italy, is a singer and violinist pursuing her artistic journey through a deep passion for music. Combining vocal expression with the distinctive sound of the violin, she is gradually building her own artistic identity, guided by dedication, ambition and a desire to continue growing. Her personal journey, shaped by different cultural experiences, forms part of the story behind her musical path and the creative direction she is developing.

What would you say is your greatest strength?

I’m not someone who likes to talk too much about herself, because I believe that our actions often reveal more about who we are than words ever could. However, if I had to identify my greatest strength, I would say it is my determination and my willingness to work hard to achieve the goals I set for myself. Whenever I have something I truly want to accomplish, I try to dedicate the necessary time, energy and attention to it. I believe that every goal requires commitment and perseverance, and that success is rarely achieved without patience and the willingness to keep moving forward, even when things become challenging. For me, being determined also means recognising that there is always room for improvement. Every experience, whether positive or difficult, offers an opportunity to learn something new, develop greater self-awareness and become more confident in my abilities. I believe that talent is important, especially in the artistic world, but it must be supported by discipline, consistency and a genuine desire to grow. As a musician, I see this mindset as an essential part of my journey. Music requires continuous dedication, sensitivity and the courage to challenge yourself. I try to approach my goals with seriousness and give the best of myself in everything I do, while remaining open to new experiences and opportunities. Ultimately, I believe that the real value lies not only in reaching a destination, but also in everything we learn and discover along the way.

He also tells us that…

She does not follow a single musical genre, preferring instead to explore different styles, from pop and dance to reggaeton. Her repertoire includes covers as well as songs that reflect her varied musical influences. When writing her own music, she draws inspiration from different artists, allowing their sounds and styles to contribute to her creative process. Her musical tastes began taking shape during childhood, when she loved singing songs by
Valerija, the renowned Russian singer, and knew her repertoire by heart. Later, she went through a period of admiration for Selena Gomez, who also became a source of inspiration. These influences reflect different stages of her musical journey and her interest in discovering artists with distinctive sounds and identities. Music has always been present in her family. Her grandfather was a self-taught accordion player who performed at parties, often entertaining guests with small musical performances. While he played, she and her sister would dance and sing, sharing moments that made music an integral part of their childhood. Away from music, she has a straightforward philosophy when it comes to personal style: clothes do not define a person. Her choice of clothing depends on how she feels on a particular day, without following fixed rules or specific criteria. When performing on stage, she adapts her outfit to the nature of the performance, while always prioritising comfort. For her, what matters is feeling at ease rather than adhering to a predetermined style.

What role does music play in your life, and what genres do you listen to?

It may sound like a cliché, but I honestly cannot imagine my life without playing or singing. I always feel the need to make music, because it is an essential part of who I am and how I express myself. There have been many times when music has become a refuge for me, a place where I could release my emotions, clear my mind, and find a way to deal with what I was going through. Sometimes, it is difficult to put certain feelings into words, but music allows me to express them in a different way. In terms of my musical tastes, I usually listen to pop, R&B, and dance music, although I also enjoy classical music and soul from time to time. I like listening to different genres because each one offers a different atmosphere and way of conveying emotions. My choice often depends on my mood and what I feel I need at a particular moment. There was a particularly difficult period in my life when two songs meant a lot to me: Impossible by James Arthur and Timpul by Feli, a Romanian singer. Both songs made me reflect on the situation I was facing at the time and helped me look at things from a different perspective. In their own way, they seemed to suggest possible answers and helped me understand my feelings more clearly. For me, this is one of the most meaningful aspects of music: a song can reach you at exactly the right moment and make you feel understood, even when you are struggling to explain what is happening inside you. Music does not necessarily change a situation, but it can help you process it, find comfort, and see things differently. That is why playing, singing, and listening to music are so important to me. They are not simply activities I enjoy; they are an essential part of my everyday life and a way of finding balance through different experiences and emotions.

You recently released a new song titled Superflu. What inspired you to choose this title, and what is the message behind the song?

Yes, I decided to call it Superflu, a title derived from the French word superflu, meaning ‘superfluous’ or ‘unnecessary’. The choice is closely connected to a difficult period in my life when I experienced discrimination because of my origins. That experience affected me and made me reflect on how hurtful certain attitudes and words can be, particularly when they are directed at someone simply because of where they come from. Through this song, I wanted to give a voice to everyone who has experienced discrimination in any form and remind them that nobody should be defined or held back by other people’s prejudices. The title reflects the message I wanted to convey: negative comments, judgements, and attempts to make someone feel inferior are ultimately unnecessary and should not determine our worth. With Superflu, I wanted to transform a personal experience into a message that could speak to others as well. I believe that music can be a powerful way to address difficult subjects, raise awareness, and help people feel less alone in what they experience. My hope is that listeners who have faced similar situations can recognise themselves in the song and find the strength to move forward without allowing discrimination to define who they are. Ultimately, the message is simple: nobody should be allowed to stop us from pursuing our goals or being ourselves because of our background. The negative words and prejudices directed at us are superfluous; they do not define our identity, our abilities, or our future. With this song, I wanted to turn a difficult experience into a statement of strength, encouraging people to believe in themselves and continue moving forward.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, above all, I see myself happy, surrounded by the people I love, and satisfied with the journey I have taken. For me, personal happiness is just as important as professional success, and I hope to look back on these years knowing that I have grown both as a person and as an artist. Of course, one of my biggest dreams is to perform on major stages and reach a wider audience through my music. I would love to have the opportunity to share my songs with more people and bring my messages to listeners who might recognise themselves in my words and experiences. Knowing that my music could make someone feel understood, inspire them, or help them see a difficult situation from a different perspective would mean a great deal to me. I hope that, over the years, I will continue to develop my musical identity, discover new opportunities, and challenge myself artistically. I know that building a career in music takes dedication, patience, and hard work, so I want to keep learning and improving while remaining true to myself and to the reasons I started making music in the first place. Ultimately, I hope that ten years from now I will be able to look at my journey with pride, knowing that I have pursued my dreams without losing sight of what truly matters: the people who stand by me, the experiences that have shaped me, and the opportunity to share my music and my message with the world.

Until our next interview, I leave you with my warm regards.A sincere thank you from Micro Influencer Daniel Balan, where every project becomes a visual narrative and every connection a new story to tell.If you wish to follow my work and explore the world of Daniel Vision Lab, you can find me on Instagram at @danielbalan.official