Banaroo

Banaroo was a Bubblegum Dance-Pop group from Germany. The group is made up of 4 members, Vito, Bobby, Steffy and Cat.

After the release of The Best of Banaroo, Banaroo had disappeared from the music world. It was confirmed in 2008 that they would not be releasing any more music and that they had broken up.

In 2013, Banaroo announced a return with an all new line up: Doro, Laura, Alvin and Daniel (pictured right). However, after 2 singles and a new album, the project one again disbandoned. Click here for more information on the brief 2013 comeback.

Biography

Banaroo released their debut single "Dubi Dam Dam" in several countries on June 5 and 6, 2005. The single achieved huge success, especially in Germany, where it peaked at number two in the chart. An album followed in July, entitled Banaroo's World. The album made #1 in Germany and Austria. The song was also used at McDonalds on a happy meal music toy.

Banaroo's second single, "Space Cowboy", was released across Europe in August 2005. Although it made the German top ten, it was a comparative flop. Their third single, the Christmas song "Coming Home For Christmas", also failed to do as well as previous releases, although it still made the top ten in Germany and Austria.

In December 2005, Banaroo released a second album, Christmas World. The album, despite its name, did not include just Christmas songs. The album debuted at #12 on the German charts on December 9, 2005.

Even after their success, Banaroo disappeared from spotlight after the release of the single 'Sing And Move' from their album "Amazing" which caused the loss of many fans! To many people's opinion, Banaroo were just a commercial band like Yoomiii which disappeared after their second single only!

Banaroo's 4th studio album "Fly Away" was released in 2007. Two singles from the album have so far been released, Ba Yonga Wamba and I'll Fly Away. The group is still active and are currently working on new material to be released.

Members Biographies

Below is a separate Biography of each of the members of Banaroo, as translated from their official Web site.

Vito

At 25 years old when the group was formed, Vito is the eldest member of the Banaroo. Being Italian, Vito was born in Belgium, and grew up in Cologne, he shared his toys selflessly with four siblings. When Vito made his first solo projects he soon realised he was missing something - other people to enjoy the experience with. When Banaroo was formed, Vito's dream was finally fulfilled. Since 1996, he regularly participates in dance workshops and made it to the finals in "Up Chart". Since 2003 he has also been a member of the Cologne "Voice Factory" and works on his singing.

Bobby

Bobby, Banaroo's "chick magnet" as some like to call him, is the second male in Banaroo. Before Banaroo, Bobby worked as a model. He is the group's main male vocalist, and before his role in Banaroo made it to number 10 in the dutch music show "Pop stars - The Rivals". He has also trained in ballet and dance. His aim with Banaroo is to gain an international career and the opportunity for travel. He has a strong accent, and his band members often tease him. However, in return he likes to push jokes with them. In Dutch.

Steffy

23-year-old Steffy was already a well-known actress before she became involved in Banaroo. She has starred in the Pro-seven series "18 - alone among girls" and the ARD broadcast "The Commissioner". She studied at the Berlin University of Arts in Work Musical / Show " and moved to Weimar, Berlin in 2000. She has been described as a lively all-round talent bursting with energy who, even after a long day, is still full of energy.

Cat

At just 18 years old upon the band's formation, Cat is the youngest member of Banaroo. Since a child, it was pretty obvious that music would play a major role in her life and career. She often used her mother's hairbrush as a microphone, pretending to be the latest popstar in her bedroom. She began singing and dancing as soon as she was able, and even learnt the piano. She had starred in numerous musicals by the time she was chosen for Banaroo, and was even chosen for a major role in the Hamburg "Delphi Show Palace" show.

The new foursome saw 1 single release, a new 2013 version of "Dubi Dam Dam," and a bubblegum dance tribute album titled "Bubblegum World" which featured covers of hits by Aqua, Me & My, ATC, and remakes of past Banaroo tracks. The album release was a flop, both critically and commercially, with many critics saying it was hastily and cheaply made, and lacking in creativity and inspiration.

In November 2013, Banaroo member Laura Luppino posted a message on Facebook confirming that Banaroo will be breaking up. The news wasn't a surprise after the disaster of Bubblegum World, and Laura revealed in her post that the reason for the breakup was due to the band members each having different ideas about the direction of Banaroo's future. The following post from Laura has been translated loosly from German:

“Love Banaroo fans
Some have wondered why on Banaroo side not so much happening. I regret to inform you that Banaroo has dissolved. Each of us has different ideas about its future, so that further cooperation was no longer possible. From my side I can assure you, I will still be there for you and keep making music, whether it is musical, pop or whatever else is now. I hope you are not sad and that I can still hope for your great support. your Laura”

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