Meet Daniela Avanzini, the Venezuelan-Cuban star lighting up Katseye

Katseye is one of the world’s largest pop sensations. The girl band blew up last year, after finding success with their hit song “Gnarly,” and their appearance in the Netflix TV show “Popstar Academy: Katseye.” Made up of six band members, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, and Sophia Laforteza, the group is known for its global approach to stardom, elaborate dances, and fun dance beats. 

Daniela Avanzini, is a Cuban-Venezuelan American from Atlanta, Georgia. Here’s what you should know about her. 

Her roots

Avanzini comes from a mixed Latin household, with her mother from Cuba and her father from Venezuela. She was the first artist of Latin American heritage to be signed to HYBE, the incredibly successful South Korean label. 

Dance was a big part of her life

© Variety via Getty Images

In past years, Avanzini has opened up about her family and how dancing was a key part of her daily life.

“Growing up in a Spanish-Latin household, my family has always tried to kind of make sure that I’m infused with the culture as much as possible growing up, and to embrace my culture as much as I can—whether it’s through music, dance, or fashion,” she said in an interview with Billboard Philippines. “My mom was the one who taught me how to dance when I was 3, so I would watch her dancing as well when I grew up.”

She speaks Spanish in one of the band’s most famous songs

© Getty Images for Trü Frü

Avanzini has used her heritage for her music, with her performing a verse in Spanish on Katseye’s hit single “Gabriela.” 

“I’m just so excited to finally be able to have sung in my native language and share that part of me with the rest of the world, because nobody knew that I could sing in Spanish!” she said.

Her meeting with Bad Bunny

© Daniela Avanzini

At this year’s Grammys, Bad Bunny became the first Latin artist to win Best Album of the Year for a record performed completely in Spanish. Avanzini, who was in attendance at the show, performing with Katseye, shared a photo with Bad Bunny and her pride over being Latina. 

“Congratulations to Bad Bunny for winning Album of the Year! This is an achievement that honors his story and his roots. As a daughter of Latinos born in the United States, it fills me with pride. Thank you for representing our community. Identity isn’t a strategy, it’s blood, heart, and truth <3,” she captioned the post shared on Instagram.