Laila Olivera, a gifted musician and devoted worship leader, is on a journey that intertwines her love for music with a profound sense of calling. Born in 1998 in New Jersey, Laila’s musical talent blossomed under the loving guidance of her parents, Angel and Loida Olivera, as well as her sister, Aleida. From a young age, she delighted in serenading her family and began performing at the age of 12 in her local church in Newark, N.J.
“I always loved to sing around the house and perform songs in front of my parents since I was 6 years old,” Laila recalls fondly. It was during her early experiences of singing in church that she began to grasp the significance of her divine purpose.
As she grew older, her musical journey was shaped by her encounters with influential figures whom she accounts for in her life, such as Mr. Bell, her choir instructor in middle school. Reflecting on this pivotal relationship, she shares, “Mr. Bell played a huge role in helping develop me as a singer, piano player, and worship leader.”
Throughout her formative years in middle school and high school, Laila actively participated in concerts and events within her community. She began to realize that the calling God had placed over her life was more powerful than she could have imagined. It was during this time that Laila also discovered her passion for becoming a Speech Language Pathologist.
“I wanted to not only be a vessel that God could use to stir revival for generations to come but also become a speech pathologist to give a voice to those who deserved to be heard,” Laila explains.
This profound desire to make a difference in the lives of others fueled her determination to pursue a career in both music and speech pathology. Driven by her faith and a deep sense of purpose, she pursued her education at Rutgers University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and a minor in Africana Studies. She later continued her academic journey at Kean University, earning a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2021. Laila’s steadfast commitment to her dreams and her reliance on her favorite scripture Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” propelled her forward.
In 2018, she released her debut album, “No Restraints,” followed by the single “I’m Yours” in 2021. These musical offerings allowed her to showcase her unique style and share her heartfelt message with a growing audience. Joining forces with Maverick City Musica in 2021, Laila’s music resonated with individuals across the globe through albums like “Como En El Cielo” (2021), “Venga Tu Reino” (2021), “Venga Tu Reino Delux” (2022), and “Simple Adoración” (2022).
Looking ahead, she eagerly anticipates sharing new music and the inspiration that God has placed on her heart. She exclaims, “I am super excited to share that I am currently working on a new project that, God willing, will be recorded live in the Dominican Republic.”
Reflecting on the impact she hopes to make, Laila states, “My desire is to continue giving God His place to move the way He desires while igniting a fire for others to walk in the calling God has placed over their lives.” Her journey is characterized by a steadfast belief in the power of influence. “To have influence means that you have the ear of generations,” she asserts. “Influence is about being able to share your heart and know that it is a result of impacting lives with what has been deposited into your life.” With every song, Laila continues to fulfill her calling as a vessel of God’s love and grace, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of those who hear her voice.
This article feature is from our annual special edition issue, the L.A. STYLE Magazine Most Influential of 2023.
