Boney M
Boney M. was a pop and disco group created by German producer Frank Farian. The project originated in West Germany, with the first single "Baby, Do You Wanna Bump" released in 1975, on which Farian performed all vocals himself. A performing group was assembled only when television appearances required live representation. The best-known lineup consisted of Marcia Barrett, Bobby Farrell, Liz Mitchell, and Maizie Williams. Reggie Tsiboe joined in 1982, replacing Farrell.
The group achieved consistent chart success across Germany and Europe between 1976 and 1984, releasing a series of million-selling albums and hit singles including "Daddy Cool," "Ma Baker," "Rasputin," "Mary's Boy Child," "Malaika," and "Kalimba de Luna." Their 1978 recording "Rivers of Babylon" became their most widely recognized release. Farian announced the end of Boney M. as a recording group in 1986, though occasional new tracks have appeared on subsequent compilation releases.
Boney M. records are actively collected across Eastern Europe and the former Eastern Bloc, where the group maintained a strong following during the late 1970s and 1980s. Licensed pressings were issued on state labels in several socialist countries, and these regional editions are sought after for their label variations and sleeve designs. Bobby Farrell continued performing under the Boney M. name until his death in 2010; the remaining members have each continued to tour in their own separate formations.
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