How do you sum up what you do?
I am a professional hula hooper - I travel around the world performing and teaching people how to hoop.
You're from Melbourne but have lived all over the world. What's made you settle in London and how often do you get a chance to "come home"?
London is a really great place to be based because it is close to Europe, where I work a lot and also the US. There is also a great history of circus and variety in the UK, so it feels like the right place to be. I try and get home every year for Christmas though - so I can escape the UK winter!
What's on rotation for you at the moment?
FKATwigs and Mapei's new album.
You're a world record holder. What's that all about?
I have always wanted to have a world record! As a kid I used to go through the book searching for things I thought I could do. When I started hooping full time it made sense to get a record for hoops, so I started training to get the record for most hoops, and once I had that I just kept looking for other records and now I have five.
How much does music influence your work/performances?
SO much. I can't do anything without music. I always need to find the music before I can work on a new routine; it's the most important bit!
What's one line/lyric from a song that has stayed with you?
"You've got to have a dream if you don't have a dream, how you gonna make your dream come true."
What's the best place to eat in London?
Kaffa Coffee in Gillett Square. It's next to the Hoopermarket [Marawa's Hoop shop]. Honestly, I'm not bias - they genuinely do the best Ethiopian food and coffee ever.
If someone only had 24 hours in London what would you suggest they do/see/visit?
Go and eat at Fortnum and Maison - that place is my favourite – it's so English and so colourful, it's like an adult version of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory; a department store for posh tea and food and chocolates - with things imported from all around the world. Then onto Burlington arcade again really English and iconic. After that, I'd probably suggest a walk around Soho or if it's sunny, the parks near Buckingham Palace – you cant get any more English than that! - plus the buildings are so amazing!
What did you think of Switch Lanes by Tkay Maidza?
I love it. I really like her work and think she is making a really unique sound that will set her apart from what is happening in the pop world right now.
What's next for you?
LA for two months, then home to Melbourne for Christmas – I can't wait to see my mum and eat home-cooked food!
Instagram: @marawa
