CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 145: MAIZIE WILLIAM's ON BONEY M'S THE FINAL CURTAIN TOUR

Interview by Angela Croudace.

Few groups embody the glittering spirit of the disco era quite like Boney M. With a catalogue of era-defining hits including Daddy Cool, Rivers of Babylon, and Ma Baker, the group helped shape the global sound of the late ’70s, selling millions of records and filling dance floors across continents.

Fronted by original member Maizie Williams, the enduring legacy of Boney M continues to bring generations together through infectious rhythms, dazzling stage shows and songs that remain staples of the disco soundtrack. As the group prepares to return to Australia this April, Williams reflects on the band’s extraordinary journey — from the explosion of the disco era to performing behind the Iron Curtain, and why their music still resonates with fans more than five decades later.

This is your final chance to sing along and relive the magic of Boney M Live in Concert on their special Final Curtain Tour!

FMM: Boney has had such a long history with audiences all over the world. What does it feel like for you to be bringing these songs back to Australia in April?

MAIZIE: Oh, wow. You know, it seems to me it never really ends. It's like you’re continuing, but coming to Australia is always something that’s very close to my heart and very special because we have such amazing fans over there. I can’t wait for them to hear it and see us perform. They always give us such wonderful greetings and it’s a beautiful feeling. We’re looking forward to it.

FMM: That's so lovely to hear. Will the set list focus on the big hits or are there some surprises for longtime fans as well?

MAIZIE: We're focusing on all the hits, really. We aim to put lots of energy into the show and involve the fans who come to see us. We aim to please, so they walk away thinking that was worth going to see.

FMM: Boney M’s music has been making people dance for decades now. When you step on stage today and hear the crowd react to those songs, what still goes through your mind after all these years?

MAIZIE: Wow, it’s amazing because after 50 years of Boney M now, it’s amazing we still have the same reaction today as we had in the 70s. That’s amazing considering we have a new generation now. After such a long time, to think that we are still holding our own in the business and still pulling up venues, is wonderful. It’s a blessing, really. It feels great because who would have told me 50 years ago when we started, that we would still be doing this 50 years later - still pulling venues and stadiums, with a younger crowd, too. We have the elderly and the very young people coming to our shows and singing all the songs. They know the lyrics, and they’re singing along and dancing. It’s a beautiful feeling that I can’t really describe. It is so beautiful to see so many generations come together like that. I’m still reminiscent about that time. It’s a memory I hope I will never forget.

FMM: What do you remember most about those early days touring when disco was exploding worldwide?

MAIZIE: It was great. The 70s era was a beautiful, beautiful time. I am so glad, privileged and blessed that I was a part of it because that was the best time for music ever. Everything that was going on - music, fashion, discos - was just amazing. It was great because when we first started, we didn’t think about having a hit. We just wanted to be part of the show business, so we started touring before we even brought out the first single which was very cool. We toured in 1975 for at least six months. We went to the studio to record the first single and it came out in 1976. We had already done most of the promotions. We had to eat, so we had to make some money. We did a showcase and from there, we were booked out like any well-known group already. By the time our first single came out, a lot of people already knew who we were from then. It felt like a lot of people thought we were just going to be a one-hit wonder. We never really thought about it, and after second and third hit came out, we thought, ‘Wow, something’s really happening here.’

FMM: Did you realise how big the project would become when you recorded Daddy Cool?

MAIZIE: No, I think no one could predict that. If it happened, it happened, if it didn’t, then fine, at least we tried. When we actually had the number one hit with that, we were booked up even more so and doing all the TV shows. We were just traveling all over the place and promoting the single. We were just so blessed and enjoying it. The best time, for me, was when we actually hit home and realised how big we were in the business. We were invited to Russia by the Russian government to perform there. It was amazing because no one had ever entered the Iron Curtain anywhere to perform, except for us. We were the first who were invited. They even sent their own plane for us. We just didn’t know what to expect until we were there, then we realised everyone is the same everywhere when it comes to music. Everybody relates to music in the same happy, joyful way - singing, clapping, enjoying themselves.

FMM: I can just imagine you guys would have exploded there in Russia. Did you?

MAIZIE: Yes. It was amazing. We had 10 concerts in five days. We were completely sold out on each occasion. We had to film on the Red Square, and it was so cold. There was snow everywhere, so every two minutes, they had to rush us back into the coach, rub our hands and feet, and give us something to drink to warm up, and then go back out again. That was an amazing experience.

FMM: Rivers of Babylon became one of the biggest songs of the era. What did that song mean to you personally?

MAIZIE: That's a very special song. Very close to my heart. I'm godly person and I'm a Christian, so we didn’t expect people to be able to relate to it. But the minute it was released, it just took off. We got double platinum in the very first week. Then we were doing all the top TV shows and that was the first time I realised how really, really successful we were, which was great. That song will always be close to my heart.

FMM: It’s a beautiful song, and as you said, it must have felt a bit dicey at the start not knowing if it would resonate with such a huge audience, but clearly it did.

MAIZIE: Yeah, it did, because of the bible, and we didn’t know how different religions would take to that, but no matter who - Muslin, Hindus, Buddhism, no matter what - the spirit of the song just jumped out. They couldn’t help themselves.

FMM: Is there a Boney M track that you feel us underrated or deserves more love?

MAIZIE: Well, as you know, Rivers of Babylon is my favourite, but all the tracks have done well because there’s something there for everyone. Every time we perform, you can hear people in the audience shouting out some of their favourites. They have their own, individual character and it works for individuals.

FMM: Looking back now, what part of Boney M’s journey are you most proud of?

MAIZIE: I think the Russia experience because that was history for us as we were the first to enter the Iron Curtain. After that, others followed, so that is an achievement. That, I would always be grateful for.

FMM: The late 70s disco scene was legendary. What did it feel like to be right in the middle of that cultural moment?

MAIZIE: It was just amazing. The disco era was happening all over the place. There were so many beautiful places to go. When you hear the good music, you enter a nightclub, and you just couldn’t sit down. There were so many good artists out at the time. We were just so blessed to be a part of that. I know that we contribute to it.

FMM: When people leave a Boney M show today, what do you hope they feel? What do you hope they reminisce about?

MAIZIE: We try to keep our show to the level of energy and glamour that when people leave, it will be a memorable show.