The youngest of three, Merna’s parents fled Iraq to escape the oppression of former dictator Sadaam Hussein, in hopes of a better future for the family they were planning to start. “My mother wanted to be a professional singer, and in Iraq it’s frowned upon for women to be singers. So my father and mother took my brother and moved to the US, and lived in North Hollywood, where my sister and I were born.” No stranger to tough times, Merna has lived most of her 18 years very modestly in the small community of Turlock, located in Central Valley California.
As a youth, Merna struggled to find opportunities and motivation to believe in her dream of becoming an all around entertainer. But it wasn’t until her father succumbed to prostate cancer, in 2004, that Merna decided it was time to take her dream to the next level. “My dad passed away right before I started high school, and my brother has Cerebral Palsy, so my mother, sister, and I have struggled to establish some form of comfortable lifestyle. We all have to pitch in to help take care of my brother because of his CP. But he’s the nicest, coolest big brother ever! So I’m pursuing my dream of becoming an actress and singer, to give my family hope and make a better life for us all.”
After the passing of her father, Merna immediately began seeking every opportunity to showcase her singing talent by entering school talent shows and any contest she could find in her area. These performances landed her several local news paper article write ups and some coveted radio spins for a song she recorded locally for the local 209 Idol contest which was held by KWIN 97.7/98.3 in San Joaquin County, California.
LIFE TODAY
It wasn't until spring of 2008, while in her senior year of high school, that Merna would receive her first taste of the big stage. Upon entering the Capital Music Awards singing competition in Sacramento, Merna immediately solidified herself in the competition as a force to be reckoned with. Performing on Good Day Sacramento and having write ups in multiple newspapers in the Central Valley for taking home runner-up honors which landed her a $2500 Wells Fargo scholarship award, was proof to Merna that she is that "needle in the hay stack."
No less than one month after winning the scholarship, Merna was discovered on YouTube by H&W Talent Management, and soon thereafter signed a artist development deal with NMG Records. But music was just the tip of the iceberg for Merna. She has stepped into the role of ‘actress,’ and this young prodigy isn’t looking back. “I know a lot of people see me and assume I can’t sing or act. But I’m okay with that, because I know God gave me a gift and my hope is that when I display that on camera and on stage, people will change their perception of me. My managers have done a great job of helping me stay focused on the “BIG PICTURE,” and I’m really growing because of it!”
Bottom line….Merna CAN ACT AND SHE CAN SING…and she’s destined for legendary success!
Enable Active X control to listen to Merna's songs.
| Eyes: Hair: Ht: Wt: Age: Bust: Waist: Hips: |
Brown
Brunette
5'-2"
125 lbs
19
36
28
34
Brunette
5'-2"
125 lbs
19
36
28
34
AlwaysMerna.com © NFluential Holdings, LLC 2009. All Rights Reserved.
| MERNA AODISHO (ACTRESS/SINGER-SONGWRITER) |
DOWNLOAD MERNA'S HEADSHOT/RESUME:
BIOGRAPHY
VIDEO