Manon Bannerman
Bannerman in 2024
Born
Meret Manon Sarpong Bannerman

(2002-06-26) June 26, 2002 (age 23)
Lucerne, Switzerland
Occupation
  • Singer
Musical career
Genres Pop
Instrument Vocals
Years active 2024–present
Labels
  • Hybe UMG
  • Geffen Records
Member of Katseye
Signature

Meret Manon Sarpong Bannerman (born June 26, 2002), also known mononymously as Manon,[1][2][3] is a Swiss singer. She began her career through her social media on Instagram and TikTok. In June 2024, she made her debut as a member of Katseye, a girl group formed through the 2023 reality show Dream Academy created by Hybe and Geffen Records.

Early life and education

Early life

Bannerman was born on June 26, 2002, in Lucerne, Switzerland, to a Swiss-Italian mother and Ghanaian father.[4][5] She was raised in Zurich, where she spent most of her childhood. She has one older sister.[6] She speaks English, Swiss German and German.[7]

Since she was four years old, Bannerman knew she wanted to be on stage.[8] Her father would refer to her as "Beyoncé", comparing her aspiration of becoming an artist to the American singer.[4]

Her full name is Meret Manon Sarpong Bannerman.[9][10] While spending a year as an exchange student in Los Angeles, she began going by her middle name, "Manon", due to her classmates pronouncing her given name, "Meret", strangely.[8] "Sarpong" is her Ghanaian name.[10]

Bannerman attended the Atelierschule [de] in Zurich, with an "artistically" oriented teaching style. She put a focus in music and arts throughout her teenage years, stating her goal of becoming "as famous as Beyoncé", her "biggest idol".[4] She has described being brought up on stage at German musician Cro's concert as an important moment that made her she realize what she wanted to do.[11]

Career

2020–2023: Social media beginnings and Dream Academy

In 2020, Bannerman began posting on Instagram and TikTok as an influencer.[7] She also began acting in music videos, appearing in works for artists such as Swiss pop musician Benjamin Amaru and German rapper Badchieff.[8] She has worked with several brands, including Laura Mercier and Charles & Keith.[7]

In 2022, Bannerman was scouted through social media by Hybe casting manager Michelle Kim.[12][13] She was invited to participate in a global casting competition organized by Hybe and Geffen Records, in plans to form a "global" girl group. Bannerman originally dismissed the offer as a scam, but after verifying its authenticity, she accepted the invitation and then auditioned.[13]

In 2023, Bannerman became one of 20 finalists entering as a participant on the talent competition reality show Dream Academy. She joined the training program despite having no prior experience in dancing or professional singing.[14] Bannerman placed among the final six contestants, marking her debut with Katseye. In the Dream Academy docuseries Pop Star Academy: Katseye, Bannerman was praised for her "star power", a term used by Hybe and Geffen executives to describe her potential as a pop star. Casting manager Kim described her as "an aura that was calming yet vibrant", adding: "It's not something you can quantify with science or math—it's a feeling, an undeniable presence."[15]

2024–present: Debut with Katseye and hiatus

Main article: Katseye
Bannerman performing "Gabriela" with Katseye in 2025

On June 28, 2024, Bannerman debuted with Katseye through their single "Debut".[16] As a member of Katseye, Bannerman became the first Black artist to sign with Hybe.[17] In 2025, Swiss media noted Bannerman for being the first Swiss woman to win an MTV Video Music Award, when Katseye won the Push Performance of the Year award for "Touch".[18][19] They again commended her for being the first Swiss artist to be nominated for a Grammy General Field award and also perform at the ceremony when Katseye performed at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.[20][21] In 2026, Bannerman starred in Not Bad, a short film directed by her friend Sophie Hall-Mochkatel, which was shared on January 27.[22] It has been interpreted as a commentary on society's expectations upon young women, especially compared to men. Mega's Rafael Bautista praised Bannerman's acting in the film, particularly the way she communicated her character's "physical, mental, and emotional strain" without using words.[23]

On February 20, Katseye announced that Bannerman would be taking a temporary hiatus from the group to "focus on her health and wellbeing".[24] The announcement received substantial coverage in entertainment media, and spurred considerable speculation on social media.[25][26][27] Some media outlets discussed the hiatus in the context of Bannerman's position as the only Black member of Katseye.[28][29] Other artists, including SZA, Chloe Bailey and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, expressed support for her, with the BBC noting Pinnock's comments in light of her own experience as the only Black member of Little Mix.[30][25]

In April, Bannerman said that she and Hybe x Geffen were having "positive conversations" and that she felt supported.[31] Around the same time, media outlets noted that she had removed "Katseye" from her Instagram bio, which renewed speculation about the future of her hiatus.[32] Her absence remained a focus of coverage during Katseye's next activities; she did not appear in the group's single "Pinky Up" or its music video.[33][34] Hybe later confirmed that she would not participate in Katseye's Coachella debut, though media noted she was present at the festival, as well as making an appearance onstage during PinkPantheress's set.[35][36][37] In interviews surrounding the performance, Katseye's members expressed their support for Bannerman during her hiatus.[34]

In May, she was featured in an advertisement for fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger, showing her taking a hot lap with professional racing driver Sergio Pérez.[38] On May 8, Billboard confirmed that she will appear in the new season of Germany's Next Topmodel.[39]

Discography

See also: Katseye § Discography

As a contestant of Dream Academy, Bannerman participated in the promotional release of the contestants' shared songs for competition. It was performed on November 17, 2023, and released to streaming platforms on August 21, 2024.[40]

Title Year Album
"Dirty Water"
(as part of The Debut: Dream Academy)		 2024 The Debut: Dream Academy - Live Finale
"All The Same"
(as part of The Debut: Dream Academy)

Videography

For Bannerman's videography with Katseye, see Katseye § Videography.

Music video appearances

Music video appearances
Year Song title Artist Ref.
2020 "September Skies" Benjamin Amaru [7]
2021 "Chandelier" Cobee
"Parkhaus" Badchieff
2022 "Baby Blizzard" Baby B3ns

Filmography

Television programs

Year Title Role Ref.
2023 Dream Academy Contestant [41]
2024 Pop Star Academy: Katseye Herself [40]
2026 Germany's Next Topmodel [39]

Films

Year Title Notes Ref.
2026 Not Bad Short film [22]

References

  1. ^ InMusic (April 15, 2026). "Will Manon Be on KATSEYE's New EP "WILD"?". InMusic. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  2. ^ Dailey, Hannah (April 15, 2026). "KATSEYE Announces New EP 'Wild' Amid Manon's Hiatus: Here's When It Arrives". Billboard. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  3. ^ Noronha, Karen (April 16, 2026). "Final goodbye or giving fans hope? Manon's message on Weverse amid KATSEYE's new 5-member comeback creates chaos". PopRant. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  4. ^ a b c Krause-Blouin, Jacqueline (December 2, 2023). "Meret Manon Bannerman - Internationales Pop-Idol aus Zürich" [Meret Manon Bannerman - International Pop Idol from Zurich]. Schweizer Illustrierte (in Swiss High German). Archived from the original on December 25, 2024. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  5. ^ William, Malik (November 13, 2024). "Manon Bannerman Is Ready For The World To Know Her Life's Destiny". Girls United. Essence. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  6. ^ Wickes, Hanna (August 22, 2024). "Who Is Manon Bannerman? Meet the Viral Katseye Member From Switzerland". j-14.com. J-14. Archived from the original on February 13, 2025. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d Martinez, Lance Joseph (February 23, 2026). "10 Interesting Facts About Katseye's Manon That May Surprise You". Metro Style. ABS CBN.
  8. ^ a b c Fischer, Martin (November 15, 2023). ""Ich durfte ein Jahr lang niemandem davon erzählen"" ["I wasn't allowed to tell anyone about it for a year"]. Tages-Anzeiger (in Swiss High German). Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  9. ^ Kandangwa, Sumnima (February 25, 2026). "Meet Manon Bannerman, whose hiatus from Katseye has fans worried". South China Morning Post.
  10. ^ a b Katseye (December 13, 2024). live with peanutbutterlover02 (live stream). Weverse, Hybe. My first name is Meret, my ... middle name is Manon ... I also have a second middle name, Sarpong, which is my Ghanaian name.
  11. ^ Biedermann, Melanie (November 12, 2023). "Seit Manon mit Cro auf der Bühne stand, will sie Popstar werden" [Ever since Manon was on stage with Cro, she has wanted to become a pop star]. 20 Minuten (in German). Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
  12. ^ NY, Gee (August 29, 2024). "Meet Manon: The Rising Star Breaking Barriers in the Global Music Scene". Shine My Crown. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Katseye On Their Dream Collaborations, Life After Their Debut, and Paranormal Encounters" (video). YouTube. 102.7KIISFM. September 30, 2024. Archived from the original on January 24, 2025. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  14. ^ Sinha, Shivangi (August 24, 2024). "Manon Bannerman: Where is the KATSEYE Member Now?". TheCinemaholic. Archived from the original on December 24, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  15. ^ Alex, Laughlin (September 9, 2024). "Talent Has Never Been Enough". Defector Media. Archived from the original on December 24, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  16. ^ Chen, Mika (August 16, 2024). "Katseye – 'SIS (Soft Is Strong)' review: short but oh so sweet". NME. Archived from the original on August 28, 2024. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
  17. ^ George, Tom (December 1, 2023). "Katseye are ready to be the next world-dominating girl band". i-D. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  18. ^ Krause-Blouin, Jacqueline (September 9, 2025). "Luzernerin Meret Manon gewinnt einen MTV Video Music Award" [Lucerne's Meret Manon wins an MTV Video Music Award]. Blick (in Swiss High German).
  19. ^ "Winners for 2025 MTV Video Music Awards". MTV.
  20. ^ Henggeler, Carlotta (February 1, 2026). "Das ist die Schweizerin, die jetzt Musikgeschichte schreiben könnte" [This is the Swiss singer who could now write music history]. Blue News.
  21. ^ "All 8 Best New Artist Nominees To Perform At The 2026 Grammys". Grammy.com. January 21, 2026.
  22. ^ a b Hess, Tobias (February 17, 2026). "Katseye talks plans to go solo: "We all have goals beyond Katseye"". The Fader.
  23. ^ Bautista, Rafael (February 10, 2026). "Katseye Manon's Short Film Captures the Invisible Burdens of Being a Woman". Mega. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  24. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (February 21, 2026). "Katseye's Manon to Take Temporary Hiatus From the Group to 'Focus on Her Health and Wellbeing'". Variety. Archived from the original on February 21, 2026. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  25. ^ a b Rawnsley, Jessica (February 21, 2026). "Katseye girl group's Manon Bannerman steps away to focus on health". BBC. Archived from the original on February 22, 2026.
  26. ^ "Manon's Hiatus From Katseye: A Complete Timeline". Teen Vogue. February 24, 2026. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026.
  27. ^ "Fans Are Convinced Manon Bannerman's "Temporary Hiatus" From Katseye May Lead to Permanent Departure". Cosmopolitan. February 23, 2026. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026.
  28. ^ Iwegbue, Annabel (February 23, 2026). "Why Manon Bannerman's Katseye Exit Hurts So Much for Black Fans". Cosmopolitan. Archived from the original on February 24, 2026.
  29. ^ LaMantia, Brooke (February 23, 2026). "Why Is Manon Taking a Break From Katseye?". The Cut. Archived from the original on February 24, 2026. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
  30. ^ Denis, Kyle (February 24, 2026). "All the Celebrities Who Have Supported Manon Following Katseye Hiatus Announcement". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026.
  31. ^ Craighead, Olivia (April 2, 2026). "Manon Has Had 'Positive Conversations' With Katseye's Label". The Cut.
  32. ^ Brenes, Angelique (April 3, 2026). "Manon Bannerman Speaks Out After Removing KATSEYE from Her Instagram Bio amid Hiatus". People.
  33. ^ Irvin, Jack (April 10, 2026). "Manon Bannerman Will Not Join KATSEYE for 2026 Coachella Performance amid Hiatus from Group: Report". People.
  34. ^ a b Stenzel, Wesley (April 12, 2026). "Katseye's Manon shares message to fans after group makes Coachella debut without her". Entertainment Weekly.
  35. ^ LaMantia, Brooke (April 20, 2026). "Manon Made It to the Coachella Stage". The Cut. Retrieved April 21, 2026.
  36. ^ Speakman, Kimberlee (April 11, 2026). "KATSEYE Performs at Coachella Without Manon Bannerman, Who Still Attended the Music Festival amid Hiatus from the Girl Group". People.
  37. ^ Bailey, Alyssa (April 11, 2026). "Why Manon Didn't Join Katseye During Their Coachella 2026 Performance Despite Being at the Festival". Elle.
  38. ^ LaMantia, Brooke (May 4, 2026). "Manon Took a Lap Around the Miami Grand Prix". The Cut. Archived from the original on May 4, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  39. ^ a b Dailey, Hannah (May 8, 2026). "Manon to Appear on 'Germany's Next Topmodel' Amid Katseye Hiatus". Billboard. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  40. ^ a b Burt, Kayti (August 23, 2024). "Netflix's Pop Star Academy: Katseye Reveals What it Takes to Make a Global Girl Group". Time. Archived from the original on October 3, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  41. ^ Aniftos, Rania (August 28, 2023). "Meet the 20 Finalists for HYBE x Geffen 'Dream Academy' Global Girl Group Contest". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
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