Kayla Elaine Collins “K.E.C.” (Pronounced Cake) has always loved to sing. As a young child, she sang in her Church choir. At the age of 3, she led her first song before an audience in a Gospel Kids Contest. She sang, I Know I’ve Been Changed by Cleavant Derricks. She won first place. KEC continued to develop her voice by singing in the church. The Choir Director noticed and by age 5, Kayla was leading songs regularly; never showing fear standing before an audience. Her unique tone and distinct voice continued to bless the people in the church and in her community. She sang in talent shows in her Elementary School and at the Boys and Girls Club. Each time she won first place.
Kayla began to expand her musical talents. She began to write songs like Praise His Name, Born in Queen of the Valley, and Breaking Free. Each song she wrote, she used the lyrics to uplift and encourage people to stay strong. As she grew, her relationship with Christ grew. She began to stand out with her peers; never being afraid to invite others to church. God began to open more opportunities for Kayla. A gospel band scheduled to perform at Pasadena City College asked that she perform at their show. With her Hanna Montana Guitar, Kayla performed her original song, Praise His Name to a standing ovation.
Kayla’s talent had started to be noticed. She was asked to sing the National Anthem at the Staples Center at a WMBA, Los Angeles Sparks game. She blew it out with her Gospel influence. Gospel performer Tye Tribute performed at the same show. As others recognized her talents, KEC was asked to sing at the Celebrity Hotel in Los Angeles. She sang her rendition of Listen, originally sung by Pop artist Beyonce. She received another standing ovation.
Her new single it is hitting the chats: Kayla K E C Collins “I Need You” Video (youtube.com)
By age 13, KEC was bitten by the acting bug and decided to try her talents in Theater. She auditioned for the role of Inez in the musical Hairspray and got the part. The role not only challenged her singing skills; but her acting and dancing skills as well. Kayla did not miss a que and received rave reviews for her performance. By Middle school, KEC continued to perform in talent shows and received high marks for her performances. She also joined her Middle School choir and began her music experience as a Chamber singer. It was through her experience in Middle School and High School that she decided to pursue music in college and professionally. She wrote in her personal statement, “I have spent my life encouraging others because I needed to be picked-up a few times myself.” “I believe God has given me a gift to reach people through music and Faith through his word has given me the courage it takes to face the challenges in life, my education, and my future.”
After two years in Glen A Wilson High School, KEC auditioned and was accepted into California School of the Arts High School in Duarte California. She continued to sing and dance in the Musical Theater Conservatory and mastered several lead roles in showcases. Her love for all kinds of music continued to grow. She became familiar with Opera and decided to challenge herself to learn an Italian aria. KEC mastered the aria and auditioned and won a gold metal singing, Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento, by Giovanni Persellio at the NAACP Awards.
She has since worked with musical talents such as jazz singer Standard Mel and recorded with the world-famous Korean Pop group BTS on their multi-platinum EP named ON. Her unique tone can be heard on BTS songs such as Ego, J-Hope, and Jimin. With Her vast vocal influences and her unique vocal sound, she hopes that God’s word and her positive musical style will lift you and inspire you throughout your life. May God Bless you and keep you.
K.E.C. will be singing “This Van” at the Operation Mobility event this Sept 2024.
K.E.C. supports Operation Mobility: https://vgpifoundation.org/
Kayla K E C Collins “I Need You” Video
