Boney M performs at Drommen Festival
2 years ago
Germany Maizie Williams, a founding member of Boney M., continues to tour globally and pursue solo music projects, demonstrating her lasting presence as a performer.
Her official website discusses her history with Boney M, acknowledging that while she sang in the studio, her voice was often excluded from final mixes. However, all members sang, danced, and performed live throughout their partnership.
Maizie Ursula Williams, born on March 25, 1951, in Birmingham, England, began her career as a model. In 1973, she earned the title of Miss Black Beautiful, which led her to front her own band, Black Beautiful People. Her journey then took her to West Germany, where in 1975, an agent approached her about joining a new pop group, Boney M. Initially, she was recruited to dance and mime to “Baby Do You Wanna Bump,” a song produced by Frank Farian. Maizie Williams, along with Sheyla Bonnick, Nathalie, and Mike, formed the early lineup, performing at discotheques and on TV. The group underwent several changes until the definitive lineup of Bobby Farrell, Maizie Williams, Marcia Barrett, and Liz Mitchell was established, ready to launch their career with a follow-up to their initial track.
The classic Boney M. lineup gained widespread recognition with their hit single “Daddy Cool.” While Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett were the primary vocalists on studio recordings, assisted by producer Frank Farian’s male vocals, Maizie Williams was an integral part of the group’s visual and live performances. She remained with Boney M. until their official disbandment in 1990. In 1994, Williams formed her own iteration of the group, “Boney M featuring Maizie Williams,” which included Sheyla Bonnick from the original 1975 lineup. This new formation provided Williams the opportunity to take on lead vocal roles for live renditions of popular Boney M. songs such as “Brown Girl in the Ring” and “Daddy Cool.” A legal dispute with Frank Farian regarding the use of the Boney M. name and record sales was resolved in Williams’ favor in 2009, affirming her rights to perform under the group’s name.
Beyond her work with Boney M., Maizie Williams has cultivated a solo career. In December 2006, she released her debut solo record, “Call Upon Jesus,” which included the digital single “Praise Be Unto Him.” The following year, in February 2007, she released a dance version of Boney M.’s hit “Sunny.” Later that year, in June, she was featured as a vocalist on the Latvian group Melo-M’s rendition of “Daddy Cool,” which achieved the number one position on the LMK charts in August. In September 2011, Williams collaborated with Dutch songwriters Eddie Middle-Line and Björn de Water on a tribute single and music video titled “Josephine Baker” (Eddie Middle-Line Mix), which was released globally.
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