Aspiring pop singer Manika is bringing her live show to the Tucson Mall Saturday for two sets - at 1 and 5 p.m. - in the mall's Center Court.
Manika, 17, is performing this summer for the "Shop Til You Rock" mall tour around the country. She will be the only female artist on this tour, which also includes emerging acts Action Item, Chris Koon, For the Foxes, Jackson Harris, Kevin Hammond, Love Via Dance Machine, Radio Silence, Starrset, There for Tomorrow, Thomas Fiss and Tom Andrews, according to the event's website.
"Shop Til You Rock" lets teens interact with bands and participate in activities and giveaways. Manika - pronounced Man-ee-kah - will meet with fans in between performances and gather with them for the "Just Dance 2" fan challenge game.
Manika was discovered by Michael Jackson's manager, Frank DiLeo, and Cece Sammy of the UK's "Pop Idol," the inspiration for the "American Idol."
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In May, Manika released her debut single, the poppy, hip-hop ditty "Just Can't Let You Go," which features Young Money's Lil Twist on rap vocals. The song has spun on more than 20 Top 40 radio stations around the country, according to her website (manika-music.com).
In addition to her performance career, Manika is a blossoming author. When she was 15, she wrote and published the children's book "The Exciting Adventures of Boo." She donated proceeds from the first 750 copies to the Nevada SPCA animal shelter.
Manika is now collaborating with songwriters such as Qura Rankin and Evan Bogart for her full-length debut album. Rankin and Bogart are associated with artists including Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez.
For a list of event activities and special offers, visit: www.ShopTilYouRock.com
Michelle Weiss is a University of Arizona journalism student who is an apprentice at the Star. Contact her at starapprentice@azstarnet.com or 807-7776.
