Nena (singer) Biography: Parents, Songs, Net Worth, Awards, Ethnicity, Movies

Gabriele Susanne Kerner, known as Nena, is a German singer-songwriter, actress, and former band leader who gained global fame as the frontwoman of the Neue Deutsche Welle band Nena with the 1983 anti-war hit “99 Luftballons” (“99 Red Balloons” in English).

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Gabriele Susanne Kerner
• Stage Name: Nena
• Born: March 24, 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: Hagen, Germany
• Nationality: German
• Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Actress
• Height: 1.68 m
• Parents: Alfons Kerner, Ursula Griebner
• Siblings: Christiane Kerner, Michael Kerner
• Spouse: None
• Partner: Benedict Freitag (ex), and Philipp Palm (ex)
• Children: Larissa Kerner, Sakias Kerner, Samuel Kerner, Simeon Kerner, Christopher Daniel Kerner
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $15 million

Early Life and Education

Gabriele Susanne Kerner was born on March 24, 1960, in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany, while her family lived in nearby Breckerfeld, to Alfons Kerner and Ursula Griebner.

She grew up with siblings Christiane and Michael Kerner. Her nickname “Nena,” meaning “little girl” in Spanish, came from a family vacation in Spain when she was three.

After leaving high school in 1977 without graduating, she trained as a goldsmith for three years before pursuing music full-time. Ethnicity is German, and religion is not publicly detailed.

Career

Nena began her music career in 1979 as the lead singer of the all-female punk band The Stripes, which released a single before disbanding.

In 1982, she formed the band Nena in West Berlin with guitarist Carlo Karges, keyboardist Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen, and drummer Rolf Brendel.

Their 1983 self-titled debut album exploded with “99 Luftballons,” a satirical protest song about nuclear war that topped charts worldwide, reaching No. 2 in the US and No. 1 in the UK with its English version.

The band released several successful albums blending new wave and pop, selling millions before splitting in 1987.

She launched her solo career in 1989 with the album Wunder gescheh’n, continuing to produce German-language hits and experimenting with styles over the years.

Nena founded her own label, The Laugh & Peas Company, in 2009, releasing albums like Made in Germany (2009) and collaborating with her children on backing vocals.

She has also acted in films and TV, hosted shows, and maintained a strong touring presence.

Nena’s influence endures as a pioneer of German pop exported internationally. She has released 13 solo albums, numerous compilations, and continues performing live, with recent tours and releases keeping her relevant in European music.

Her legacy includes breaking barriers for female artists in the 1980s and inspiring generations with anthemic, thoughtful pop.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @nena_official
• Facebook Handle: NENAofficial

Personal Life

Gabriele Susanne Kerner has never married but has had long-term relationships and five children. Her first son, Christopher Daniel Kerner, with actor Benedict Freitag, was born in 1988 and died in infancy.

With Freitag, she also had twins Larissa Maria and Sakias Manuel in 1990. Later, with musician Philipp Palm, she had sons Samuel Vincent (1995) and Simeon Joel (1997).

She lives in Hamburg with her family, where some of her children have joined her musically.

Discography

• Nena (1983, with band)
• ? (Fragezeichen) (1984, with band)
• Feuer und Flamme (1985, with band)
• Eisbrecher (1986, with band)
• Wunder gescheh’n (1989)
• Oldschool (1997)
• Chokmah (2001)
• Nena feat. Nena (2002)
• Willst du mit mir gehn (2005)
• Cover Me (2007)
• Made in Germany (2009)
• Du bist gut (2012)
• Nichts versäumt Live (2018)

Net Worth

Nena has an estimated net worth of $15 million. Her wealth primarily comes from massive record sales exceeding 25 million units worldwide, particularly from “99 Luftballons” royalties and streaming, ongoing concert tours and live performances, album releases through her own label, acting and television work, and merchandise.