# Marija Naumova

> Latvian singer and songwriter (born 1973)

**Wikidata**: [Q229366](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q229366)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marija_Naumova)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marija-naumova

## Summary
Marija Naumova is a Latvian singer and songwriter born in 1973, best known for her contributions to pop and jazz music. She gained international recognition under the stage name **Marie N**, particularly for winning the **Eurovision Song Contest 2002** with the song *"I Wanna"*, marking Latvia's first and only Eurovision victory to date.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 23, 1973 (Riga, Latvia)
- **Nationality**: Latvian (formerly Soviet)
- **Education**: University of Latvia (public university in Riga, founded 1919)
- **Known for**: Winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2002, pop and jazz music
- **Employer(s)**: Independent artist (affiliated with the University of Latvia)
- **Field(s)**: Music (singing, songwriting), pop, jazz

## Contributions
- **Eurovision Victory (2002)**: Represented Latvia at the **Eurovision Song Contest 2002** with the song *"I Wanna"*, securing the country’s first and only win in the competition.
- **Musical Career**: Active since **1995**, she has released multiple albums and singles, blending pop and jazz influences.
- **Stage Name**: Performs under the name **Marie N**, a recognizable alias in European pop music.
- **Cultural Impact**: Her Eurovision win elevated Latvia’s profile in international music and brought attention to Baltic artists.

## FAQs
- **What is Marija Naumova best known for?**
  She is best known for winning the **Eurovision Song Contest 2002** with *"I Wanna"*, making her Latvia’s first Eurovision champion.

- **Where was Marija Naumova educated?**
  She attended the **University of Latvia**, a prominent public university in Riga.

- **What genres does Marija Naumova perform?**
  Her music spans **pop and jazz**, with a career rooted in both genres since the mid-1990s.

- **Has Marija Naumova won any major awards?**
  Yes, her **Eurovision 2002 victory** remains her most significant accolade, earning her international recognition.

- **What is Marija Naumova’s stage name?**
  She performs under the name **Marie N**, which she used during her Eurovision win.

## Why They Matter
Marija Naumova’s Eurovision victory was a landmark moment for Latvia, placing the country on the global music stage and inspiring future Baltic artists. Her success demonstrated the potential for smaller nations to compete in major international contests, while her blend of pop and jazz contributed to Latvia’s cultural identity in modern European music.

## Notable For
- **First Latvian Eurovision winner** (2002, *"I Wanna"*)
- **Stage name Marie N**, recognized in European pop music
- **Alumna of the University of Latvia**, a key institution in Latvian education
- **Active since 1995**, with a career spanning pop and jazz genres
- **Representation of Latvia** in international music competitions

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Marija Naumova was born on **June 23, 1973**, in Riga, Latvia, during the Soviet era. She pursued higher education at the **University of Latvia**, a historic institution founded in 1919, which played a role in shaping her artistic development.

### Musical Career
Naumova began her professional music career in **1995**, establishing herself as a singer and songwriter in Latvia’s pop and jazz scenes. She adopted the stage name **Marie N**, under which she gained wider recognition.

### Eurovision Victory (2002)
Her breakthrough came in **2002** when she represented Latvia at the **Eurovision Song Contest** with the song *"I Wanna"*. The performance secured Latvia’s first and only Eurovision win, a historic achievement that elevated her status in European music.

### Genre and Style
Naumova’s work spans **pop and jazz**, reflecting her versatility as an artist. Her music has contributed to Latvia’s contemporary cultural landscape, blending local influences with international appeal.

### Legacy and Influence
As Latvia’s first Eurovision winner, Naumova’s victory remains a point of national pride. Her success inspired subsequent Latvian artists and demonstrated the country’s ability to compete on a global stage. Beyond Eurovision, her career has reinforced the presence of Baltic music in broader European pop culture.

### Affiliations and Recognition
- **University of Latvia**: Her alma mater, a key institution in Latvian academia.
- **Eurovision Song Contest**: Her 2002 win remains a defining moment in her career.
- **Stage Name Marie N**: A recognizable alias in European pop music circles.

### Later Career and Impact
Since her Eurovision triumph, Naumova has continued to perform and record music, maintaining her presence in Latvia’s entertainment industry. Her work has contributed to the country’s cultural exports, particularly in music festivals and international collaborations.

### Personal and Professional Identity
- **Nationality**: Latvian (formerly Soviet citizen)
- **Occupation**: Singer, songwriter, composer
- **Genres**: Pop, jazz
- **Active Years**: 1995–present

### Conclusion
Marija Naumova’s career is marked by her historic Eurovision victory and her role in shaping Latvia’s modern music scene. Her contributions as **Marie N** have left a lasting impact on Baltic pop culture, making her one of Latvia’s most internationally recognized artists.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. MusicBrainz
4. Discogs
5. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. [Source](http://www.marijanaumova.lv/)
9. [OpenSanctions](https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/Q229366)
10. YouTube API