A RETURN TO RYTHM - YVY MARAEY

After years spent performing across Europe and Brazil, Yvy Maraey and Simon Abela return to Matakana, drawn by a shared desire to put down roots, raise a family, and continue their creative journey.

In the early days of the global pandemic, Yvy and her husband Simon made a bold decision to leave Berlin and travel to New Zealand. Simon, born in Tāmaki Makaurau, had long-standing ties to the country, and the couple chose Matakana as their temporary base. It was here they married, and where the region began to take on deep personal and creative significance. Now, after five years living and performing abroad, they have returned with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

Yvy’s musical identity has always been shaped by a rich blend of cultures. Raised in Berlin, the German-Brazilian singer-songwriter grew up surrounded by a vibrant artistic community. Influenced by her father, a Carioca (native of Rio de Janeiro), she developed a deep connection to Brazilian rhythm and melody, while also drawing on the diverse sounds of Europe. Music became both a refuge and a calling, shaping her creative path from an early age.

That path became intertwined with Simon’s when the two met while studying at jazz school in Berlin. A shared love of Brazilian music quickly evolved into both a personal and creative partnership. Together, they began reinterpreting Brazilian songs, blending traditional influences with their own contemporary style. Their performances across Europe were marked by warmth and intimacy, and in 2023 they released their debut EP YVY MARAEY, a soulful fusion of RnB and Brazilian rhythms featuring New Zealand artists Noah Slee and Raiza Biza.

Time spent living in Brazil further deepened their connection to the music that inspired them. Immersed in its culture, they refined their sound while strengthening their partnership. Yvy also explored acting during this period, appearing in Vor der Morgenröte, directed by Maria Schrader, as well as in commercial work. Still, music remained the constant thread. More recently, the couple have turned their focus toward film music, combining Simon’s production and audio engineering with Yvy’s songwriting and vocals to create layered, emotive soundscapes.

While in Brazil, they also realised an ambitious vision, building a music studio and artist residency on the remote island of Boipeba. Constructed largely by hand, the project brought together local and international artists in a collaborative, immersive environment. It’s a model they hope to bring to New Zealand in the future.

Now based back in Matakana and expecting their first child, Yvy and Simon are embracing a slower, more grounded chapter. With plans to return to live performance and a long-term vision of creating a local artist residency, they remain committed to building community through music.

After years of movement, their return feels both intentional and full of possibility – a coming together of place, creativity, and family.

www.instagram.com/yvymusic | yvymanagement@gmail.com