At just 13 years old, Maria Nonis is already creating a buzz online with her amazing performance alongside her dad for a Sinhala New Year media event. People couldn’t stop talking about her deep and amazing voice and her impressive vocal range. Even though singing runs in her family, Maria is determined to get even better by taking lessons in both singing and playing instruments. She’s lucky to have different teachers guiding her. Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift are her idols because Ariana has an incredible voice, and Taylor writes her own amazing songs. Maria dreams of following in their footsteps and making her mark in the music industry.
Introduce yourself to us Maria.
My name is Shindi Maria Nonis. I’m 13 years old right now, but I’ll be turning 14 in October. I go to St. John Paul II English Medium College in Kolinjadiya, Wennappuwa. I live in Marawila with my mom, dad, and my brother. We have an awesome dog named Rugger. He’s a two-and-a-half-year-old Labrador Retriever and he’s like my best friend.
I’m really into fashion and beauty. Sometimes I even help my mom when she’s cooking and I am very passionate about it. I enjoy listening to music and watching Netflix. I’m a big movie enthusiast. Oh, and did I mention that I can play the guitar and the piano? It’s so much fun!
What made you become interested in music?
When I was younger, I wasn’t really into music. However, my brother and my father, Nadeera Nonis, who is a professional musician, are both really talented. Seeing their passion and skill in music inspired me to start studying it. Now, I absolutely love music and enjoy it a lot.
How did you receive training in music?
When I was young, I had a music teacher in school named Dinithi Nisanka. At the age of nine, I began taking piano classes with teacher Hiruni Perera. This year, I started vocal training with Umara Sinhawansa. Even though music runs in my family, I wanted to enhance my skills and receive formal training to polish up my abilities.
Can you tell us about the important milestones in your musical journey?
I have achieved several important milestones in my musical journey. I completed the Trinity College exams up to grade three, and currently, I am working towards grade four in piano with my teacher, Hiruni Perera. Recently, I participated in the International Music Festival held in Sri Lanka where I had the opportunity to perform four times. I showcased my skills by playing the piano, performing a duet with my brother, playing a solo piece, and also participating in a group performance. These experiences have been significant milestones in my musical growth.
How did you feel about your Avurudu performance with your father going viral and receiving positive feedback from the public?
I felt incredibly grateful for all the positive comments and the overwhelming response our Avurudu performance received on the internet. It made me happy to see how well it was received. The support and appreciation from the public have been truly encouraging. It motivates me to strive for even better performances in the future.
Do you have any other performances that are posted on the internet?
Yes, I do. I have my own YouTube channel called ‘Maria Nonis’ with around 10,000 subscribers. On my channel, you can find various performances and music-related content that I have shared with my audience.
Who are your role models in the music industry?
I have two role models in the music industry. One is Ariana Grande. I admire her incredible voice and the wide range she has as a singer. Her vocal abilities are truly impressive. Another role model of mine is Taylor Swift. I appreciate how she writes her own songs, showcasing her talent as a singer-songwriter. Their unique qualities and accomplishments inspire me in my own musical journey.
Do you write your own songs?
No, not yet.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Right now, I really want to be a singer. But who knows, my dreams might change as I get older.
What are your hobbies or interests besides music?
Apart from music, I like fashion and beauty. I enjoy exploring different clothing styles and mixing and matching outfits. The internet is a great source of inspiration for me, as I often discover new trends and ideas that inspire my own fashion choices.
What qualities do you think a good singer should have?
Well, I think a good singer should have a nice personality. They should also have a great fashion sense, you know, to look cool on stage. And of course, they should have an amazing voice that they’ve trained really well.
Who are the people who support you in your music journey?
I want to give a big thank you to my music teachers for teaching me and helping me improve. My teacher Hiruni believed in me and gave me opportunities like singing at the bishop’s birthday. I’m also grateful to my piano teacher and vocal teacher for making my voice better. My brother Jason and my dad are always there for me, cheering me on. And I can’t forget about my mom, Rangali, who loves and supports me so much. I’m lucky to have amazing grandparents too. They all mean a lot to me and support me in my music journey.
I also want to thank Raynor De Silva for the recent opportunity given to participate in the New Year show.