Nena is a German singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality with an estimated net worth of $10 million. She rose to international fame in the early 1980s as the lead singer of the band Nena, best known for the global hit song “99 Luftballons.” The track became one of the most successful European pop songs of all time and remains a defining anthem of the Cold War era.
Beyond her early success, Nena has maintained a strong and lasting career as a solo artist, especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where her albums continue to chart decades after her breakthrough.
| Nena Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Hagen, West Germany |
Early Life
Nena was born Gabriele Susanne Kerner on March 24, 1960, in Hagen, West Germany. She is the eldest of three siblings. Her stage name “Nena” comes from the Spanish word niña, meaning “little girl,” which she picked up during a family holiday in Spain.
After leaving high school in 1977, she trained as a goldsmith, completing a three-year apprenticeship before turning her full attention to music.
Music Career and The Stripes
Nena began her professional music career in 1979 as the lead singer of the pop band The Stripes. The group, based in Hagen, performed English-language songs and released several singles and one studio album. Despite moderate local success, the band broke up in 1982.
Breakthrough with the Band Nena
Following the breakup of The Stripes, CBS Records offered Nena a solo contract on the condition that she move to West Berlin and record songs in German. She accepted and formed a new band with Rolf Brendel, Carlo Karges, Jürgen Dehmel, and Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen.
The band achieved instant success in 1982 after performing their debut single “Nur geträumt” on German television. Their self-titled debut album followed in 1983.
Global fame came with the release of “99 Luftballons,” which topped charts across Europe and reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. An English version of the song became a No. 1 hit in the UK and Canada.
The band released several successful albums, including ?, Feuer und Flamme, and Eisbrecher, before disbanding in 1987.
Solo Career
Nena launched her solo career in 1989 with the album “Wunder gescheh’n.” While her early solo albums had mixed success, she staged a major comeback in the early 2000s.
Her 2002 album “Nena feat. Nena”—featuring re-recorded versions of her classic hits—was a major success in German-speaking countries. It included the duet “Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime” with Kim Wilde, which reached No. 1 in several European countries.
Since then, Nena has released numerous successful albums, including Willst du mit mir gehn, Made in Germany, Du bist gut, Oldschool, and Licht. Many of these projects reached the top five on German music charts, solidifying her long-term commercial success.
Acting and Television Career
In addition to music, Nena has worked as an actress, making her film debut in the 1983 musical comedy “Gib Gas – Ich will Spass.” She later appeared in voice acting roles, including German-language versions of films such as Eragon and Arthur and the Minimoys.
On television, she has served as a coach and judge on popular talent shows including “The Voice of Germany,” “The Voice Kids,” and “Dein Song.” These roles have significantly contributed to her continued popularity and income.
Other Ventures and Projects
Nena has co-founded a private school in Hamburg, supported charitable causes, and co-authored an autobiography titled “Willst du mit mir gehn.” She has also released children’s music albums and remains active in live touring.
Personal Life
Nena has six children and several grandchildren. She has been open about personal tragedies, including the loss of her first son shortly after birth. Despite challenges, she has continued to maintain a strong presence in music and public life.
Nena Net Worth
Nena net worth is estimated to be $10 million.
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