Kenia Arias

Kenia Arias, known mononymously as Kenia , is a Puerto Rican and Dominican recording artist and lyricist. Since 2000, she has independently released two mixtapes, one EP and three albums. She has collaborated with various independent rap artists throughout her career. Kenia has appeared in television shows, such as USA's Graceland and Netflix's Glow.

Biography Early life and influences Arias were born to Jaime Arias and Mercedes E. Hernandez. Arias were raised with her older brother Jimmy Arias in Medford, Long Island, New York. Arias has three half siblings, one of which is deceased, from her father's previous marriage. Her ethnicity is Puerto Rican and Dominican.

Kenia Arias performing live at LMNT in Miami's Wynwood Art District.

Kenia Arias at the Essence Magazine And Hollywood Confidential Present "An Evening with Angela Bassett" Event.

Arias first showed interest in performing at the age of four, and at the age of six decided she wanted to become a professional singer and actor. Arias were 12 when she and a neighbor formed an all-girl group entitled "The Lazers". The group recruited a third member and would perform covers of Salt n' Pepper songs for their neighbors on the block. Arias has been quoted as saying "I just felt an urgency to entertain; I wanted to put on a good show for people and make them feel happy". It was at this time Arias started her lifelong journey of taking vocal lessons. Arias was, 14 when she first performed professionally at a resort in Puerto Rico and shot her first commercial. This same year, she started recording covers at a local studio on Long Island. Her first recording was Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You". At the age of 16 Arias began writing her own material and recording at several recording studios in Manhattan, New York. Arias grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Celia Cruz, Fania All-Stars, Groupo Mania, Janet Jackson, Selena y Los Dinos, Little Kim, Juan Luis Guerra, Alanis Morissette and many more; which have all, to some degree, inspired Arias' music. During this time, Arias signed a production deal and released her first self-titled album.

While attending Patchogue-Medford High School, Arias was involved in New York State beauty pageants and was awarded the titles of "Miss Teen Long Island" and" Miss Teen Talent New York State" along with many sub-categories such as "Miss Congeniality". She was featured in many local papers pertaining to her pageant career. Arias also performed on Showtime at the Apollo, Puerto Rican Day Parade and Club New York; all before the age of 17. She earned her bachelor's degree from Florida International University in Miami, FL.

Career 1996–2009

Arias had her first entertainment job at the age of 14 when she was cast a dancer in a national dance television show; she remained on the show for two years. Arias convinced her parents she needed a talent agent and within one week Arias was signed with two talent agencies.

Personal life Kenia currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with her husband, actor Alexander Stein, whom she met at Indian River State College. Stein is credited as a producer on several of Arias' productions since 2003. The couple was married in February 2015. Since the death of her father in 2019, Kenia halted the creation of any new music. During this time, Kenia changed her stage name to BoriCana, a play on words representing her Boricua/Puerto Rican and Dominican roots. Described as a fusion of tribal and hip-hop and unlike anything she created before, Kenia’s new Album in due for release Winter 2023.

Discography Studio albums Karma (2010) Unconscious (2013)

Singles "Animal Instinct" (2012)

Tours Karma (2010/Cancelled)

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Director 2015 Tomorrowland DQ Patron Brad Bird 2019 Captain Marvel Commuter/Tourist Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck

Television Year Title Role Episode Director 2015 Graceland Physical Therapist "Master of Weak Ties" Lucy Liu