Stunning newcomer Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (aka AMYRA) makes her Nickelodeon debut as Kiki in the new series The Fresh Beat Band. Born and raised in Miami, of Cuban heritage, this arrestingly vivacious multi-talent is thrilled to be part of such an exciting and innovative show that celebrates music and inspires the youth of America.
Since her first violin lesson at the age of three, young Amyra was immersed in a musically diverse world that established her early on as an artist comfortable in any genre. “I was raised on The Beatles, Celia Cruz, Beethoven and Whitney Houston,†she says, “so my influences range from classical to rock to flamenco to gypsy rhythms. I love taking all the things every culture has to offer - there’s something so beautiful in each one. That’s what formed who I am. I’m a musical mutt.â€
Learning to play “every instrument I could get my hands on,†Amyra was already writing songs while very young, and never missed on an opportunity to perform. Even during the dire times of Hurricane Andrew, she entertained her family at the piano as the gale force winds swirled around them, and then sang throughout the community for the next several weeks, serving as a rare bright light in a city without power.
Amyra sang and acted professionally from her early teens, performing for royalty and heads of state. Attending the University of Miami on an opera scholarship, she soon took the stage with the Florida Grand Opera and performed at Carnegie Hall, and after graduating college at 19 was discovered by Engelbert Humperdinck, who took her on a world tour to both sing back-up and to share his spotlight in a nightly duet of “How Do You Keep The Music Playing.†Her reputation as a reliable professional, incredible singer and musician, and absolute charismatic star on stage, attracted the Zappa family to invite her to sing and play violin on the World Tour – Zappa Plays Zappa.
While her music career has blossomed, Amyra has seen success as a triple threat, as she also acts and dances with equal mastery, relishing any chance to perform live. She’s earned roles from 7th Heaven and Guiding Light to stage productions of West Side Story and Much Ado About Nothing; and recently headlined as one of the titled stars of Marion J. Caffey’s 3 Mo’ Divas.
With a voice that is lyrical and lushly melodic, boldly self-assured and yet innately human, Amyra is poised to become one of the brightest new stars on the musical horizon.
