About |
The American singer‑songwriter, actress, author, entrepreneur & music executive known for her multilingual music catalog and cross‑cultural artistic identity. As a member of the Recording Academy (Grammy) and the Latin Recording Academy, she has established herself as a global independent music artist and the founder and CEO of DM the NO Music.
Her work has been featured in Billboard Magazine, FOX 5 San Diego, and multiple Grammy‑affiliated platforms, further strengthening her visibility in the international music industry. Additionally, she was selected as an Artistic Mentor for Grammy U in both 2024 and 2025, supporting emerging artists and rising talent.
Early Life and Background
Born to Victor and Andrea, Dona Maria grew up as an only child with Lebanese roots and Brazilian ancestry through her maternal grandfather. From a young age, she developed a passion for writing, storytelling, theater, and music, interests that later shaped her career as a multilingual singer‑songwriter and creative performer.
Career
Writing and Early Artistic Work
Dona Maria began her artistic journey as an author. Her book The Twin’s Secret achieved commercial success for two consecutive years, highlighting her early talent for storytelling. This foundation eventually led her toward theater and, ultimately, music.
Theater Career
In 2003, she joined a children’s theater group and performed the role of Marguerite in Danielle De Barabark. Her performance gained media attention, resulting in magazine features and television interviews that helped establish her early public presence.
Music Career
Early Releases
Dona Maria officially launched her career as a recording artist in 2007 with the bilingual singles “No Quiero” and “La Mosh Aayza”, released through EMI Records and Melody Music. These tracks introduced her as a multilingual pop artist with a unique cross‑cultural sound.
In 2012, she released “Puedo Olvidar” and “Kedah Hansak” through Arabica Records, receiving radio and television promotion across major Middle Eastern broadcasting platforms.
Continued Releases
In 2013, she released “Palabras” and “Kalam Keteer”, both written and produced by her. These songs later appeared on her album Soy Lo Que Soy.
After relocating to the United States in 2017, she released “Escucha Mi” and “Esmaasni”, which explored themes of migration, identity, and cultural transition—key elements of her artistic narrative.
Soy Lo Que Soy (2018)
In June 2018, Dona Maria released her multilingual album Soy Lo Que Soy (Akoun Mn Akoun / I’m What I Am). Featuring eleven self‑written and self‑composed tracks, the album blended Latin, Arabic, and pop influences while exploring themes of empowerment, identity, resilience, and self‑acceptance.
Holiday Releases (2018)
Later that year, she expanded her catalog with holiday music, releasing the Christmas single “Go Tell It” following her earlier rendition of “Silent Night.”
No More Tragedy (2019)
In 2019, she released “No More Tragedy”, a deeply personal single featured in the 62nd Grammy FYC Album campaign. Inspired by her recovery from a life‑threatening car accident in 2016, the song addresses themes of survival, healing, and emotional rebirth—solidifying her reputation as an artist who writes from lived experience.
Fire and Fuego (2022–2023)
Between 2022 and 2023, Dona Maria released “Fire” and “Fuego”, incorporating Latin rhythms and cross‑cultural fusion. These releases expanded her media presence, leading to interviews on FOX 5 San Diego and features in Billboard Magazine, where she discussed her creative direction and artistic evolution.
Tiktak Town (2021)
In 2021, she released “Tiktak Town”, marking her debut in the hip‑hop genre. The track featured satirical social commentary and introduced a visual concept centered around her clown‑character persona.
Faces / Caras (2023–2024)
Dona Maria continued her multilingual approach with “Faces” and its Spanish version “Caras.” These songs explored themes of human interaction, emotional influence, and social behavior, emphasizing the impact of personal encounters.
Words (2024–2025)
In 2024, she released “Words”, a track focused on empowerment, emotional resilience, and personal transformation. The single expanded her fusion of hip‑hop and pop, reinforcing her identity as a versatile independent music artist.
In 2024 and 2025, she served as an Artistic Mentor for Grammy U, guiding emerging artists through educational programs and industry development.
Business Ventures
Makeup Line
Beyond music, Dona Maria launched a makeup brand that expanded into major U.S. retailers including Walmart, Target, and Macy’s. Her brand focuses on inclusive beauty products designed for diverse skin tones and global audiences.