Marie Kwakman

Full name: Marie Lidwina Kwakman Nickname: Marie Ballap Date of birth: April 4, 1960 Place of birth: Volendam Residence: Volendam Band member since: May 1, 1976 Band member until: August 1, 1976

Already in 1973, Marie Kwakman records two singles and an album together with the Volendam Opera Choir. In 1976 she is asked by BZN to sing with them on several performances in the local church. Before she leaves the band rather quickly, with BZN she records the demo for Mon Amour. Not much later, this song is recorded by Annie Schilder and released as a single.
In that same period, Marie - by the name of Anne Marie - records her first solo record: Het Is Weer Morgen. In 1978 Marie founds the band Spryng together with Jan Buys. In that period Marie decides to change her name to Maribelle.
In 1981 she is asked to participate in the national song festival. It is not until 1984 that Marie travels to Luxembourg to represent The Netherlands on the Eurovision Song Contest with Ik Hou Van Jou. Together with Germany, she reaches to a thirteenth position.
In 1991 the band Spryng is split up and Maribelle continues solo.