Martika (Prince’s 1990s Pop Protégée)

The charismatic singer and actress who scored major pop success in the late 1980s before entering Prince’s creative world, resulting in a strong artistic collaboration on her sophomore album.

OVERVIEW

Martika (born Marta Marrero, May 18, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress of Cuban descent. She rose to fame as a teen pop star with her 1989 self-titled debut album before working closely with Prince in the early 1990s.

EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Born in Whittier, California, Martika began performing as a child, appearing on the TV show Kids Incorporated alongside future stars like Jennifer Love Hewitt and Mario Lopez. Her 1989 debut album spawned the massive worldwide hit “Toy Soldiers” (#1 in the US).

PRINCE CONNECTION In 1990–1991, Prince took Martika under his wing. He wrote, produced, and played on several tracks for her second album Martika’s Kitchen. Most notably, he wrote and produced the single “Love… Thy Will Be Done”, which became a major international hit and is widely regarded as one of her best performances. Prince also contributed the title track and other songs.

Martika visited Paisley Park, recorded with members of the New Power Generation, and the two had a brief romantic relationship. Their collaboration blended her pop style with Prince’s funk and spiritual sensibilities.

KEY RELEASES Martika (1989) – Her breakthrough debut Martika’s Kitchen (1991) – Prince-produced tracks include:

• “Love… Thy Will Be Done” (major hit)

• “Martika’s Kitchen”

• “A Magical Place” and others

STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER Martika toured in support of both albums. After the early 1990s, she stepped back from mainstream music but returned occasionally, including a successful Spanish-language album (Colo de Niño, 2003) and various acting roles. She has spoken warmly about her time with Prince and the creative freedom he gave her.

WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE Martika represents Prince’s continued interest in developing mainstream pop artists during the early New Power Generation era. “Love… Thy Will Be Done” is one of the strongest and most emotionally resonant songs Prince wrote for another artist in the 1990s, showcasing his ability to craft sophisticated, spiritual pop material.

SOURCES Prince Vault, Wikipedia, Billboard, interviews with Martika, Discogs.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.