Mapei: The Soulful Voice of Swedish Pop

Mapei is a Swedish-American singer, songwriter, and rapper known for her eclectic blend of pop, soul, and hip-hop. Her international breakthrough came with the 2013 single "Don't Wait," which became a chart success and propelled her debut album onto the Billboard charts.

Early career

Born in 1983 in Providence, Rhode Island, to a Swedish mother and an American father, Mapei (full name Mapei Mazzilli) spent her childhood between the United States and Sweden. She began her artistic journey in the early 2000s as a rapper and graffiti artist in Stockholm, eventually signing with the independent label Plan B Recordings and releasing her first EP, "The Cocoon Diaries," in 2009.

Breakthrough

Mapei's career shifted dramatically in 2013 after signing with Downtown Records. Her single "Don't Wait," a vibrant pop-soul track, became a viral and commercial hit, leading to a major label deal with Interscope Records. The song charted in several European countries and set the stage for her debut album, "Hey Hey," which reached number 22 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart in 2014.

Key tracks

Don't Wait — This 2013 single served as Mapei's explosive international breakthrough, defining her signature soulful pop sound.

Change — A key track from her debut album, it showcases her powerful vocal delivery and introspective songwriting.

Believe — This anthemic song highlights Mapei's ability to craft uplifting pop melodies with genuine emotional weight.

Loving You Is Easy — Featured on her 2022 album "Sensory," this track demonstrates her mature evolution into a nuanced R&B and soul artist.

Following her debut, Mapei continued to evolve, releasing the 2022 album "Sensory" which leaned further into contemporary R&B. She has collaborated with notable producers like Magnus Lidehäll and artists such as Kleerup, and her music has been featured in major advertising campaigns and television shows, expanding her reach beyond traditional pop charts.

Fans of Mapei's soul-infused pop style should also explore the work of fellow Swedish artists like Robyn for pioneering electronic pop sensibilities. Lykke Li shares a similar blend of indie pop intimacy and bold production. For another powerful Swedish vocalist in the pop realm, try Tove Lo. The genre-blending approach can also be heard in the work of Alina Devecerski, who merges pop with electronic and hip-hop elements.

The vibrant pop and soul catalog of Mapei is a staple on many of our featured online radio streams and independent music radio stations. Her hits from "Hey Hey" and her more recent R&B explorations from "Sensory" receive regular airplay, keeping her sound fresh for listeners across the globe.

You can hear the dynamic music of Mapei on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her breakthrough hits and latest soulful pop tracks through our curated selection of stations.