Growing up, Nyla Martin, a junior at Northwest School of the Arts, loved to sing. At home. At school. At church. In community plays and theater; she was a performer.

“She wanted to do musical theater,” Rickita Banks remembered. Banks, a fifth grade math, science and expanded impact 2 teacher at Long Creek Elementary School, was Martin’s second grade teacher at First Ward Creative Arts School. “She would be at recess singing or humming in the classroom. She was always singing.”

“My dad was the reason I got into music, period,” said Martin of her late father. “He was a bass player, and every time he would play his bass, he was just in it, you know? He was in his element.”

Martin remembered fondly growing up and watching shows like “American Idol” and “The Voice” and telling her dad she would audition for a show like that one day. She said her dad’s side of the family is full of singers, and all of her family has been supportive of her dreams.

“At the time, it was a mere thought,” said Martin. “But then I eventually started thinking like, ‘I’m getting older. I’ve gotta do something with myself.’ Music is what I love and I can’t see myself doing anything else but that. So I gotta start taking those steps toward my goal.”

 

 

Martin’s first lead role in a play at First Ward Creative Arts was as Mary Poppins. And in middle school at Northwest, her teacher Matthew Hinson connected her with a Christmas gig at the Knight Theater in Charlotte.

“People have their different things they become addicted to and for me, it’s being on stage and singing,” said Martin. “It became a way for me to get that dopamine. That was my first time getting a standing ovation, too. It was awesome. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

Martin has participated in a variety of performances over the years, including singing, and winning the Apollo Theater’s “Child Star of Tomorrow” prize to most recently appearing on American Idol. 

From her time singing at school and in community plays, to watching singing competitions and dreaming of appearing on one, her dreams became a reality. And she hopes her dad is proud of what she’s accomplished. 

“Power is in the tongue,” said Martin. “If you speak it, then it can come to fruition. I feel like if I never had that mindset of getting on a show or taking the steps to make my dream come true, I would not be where I am. All I want to do is sing and keep my dad’s legacy alive because music was so big in his life too.”

After graduating, Martin plans to attend the Berklee College of Music where she wants to study music education and minor in vocal performance. She aspires to become a household name and create music that makes listeners feel how they want —- whether that be nostalgic, happy or sad.

She’s also interested in opening her own business where she can work with children and pour into them the same love, support and teaching she received from her family and teachers.

“I’m really excited because I love kids,” said Martin. “I’m about to be an aunt and I’m going to teach my nephew how to sing. He’ll be the next D’Angelo or something, the next great male singer because his aunt is going to teach him. I just love kids and seeing them grow and blossom. It’s amazing.”

And seeing her students develop outside of the classroom has been a great joy for Banks in her 11-year career as an educator.

“I’m not surprised at Nyla’s growth because she’s a very determined young lady,” said Banks. “My students are always my babies and I’m always going to hold a special place in my heart for them. I wish Nyla the best. I’m one of her biggest cheerleaders, and I’m looking forward to just seeing what the future has in store for her and see her spread her wings and fly.”

“I’m proud of myself and how far I’ve come,” said Martin. “I went from singing, kind of bad, to singing and getting paid for what I love to do. Last year, 2025, was a great year for me and a busy year, and I just want to use this time to perfect my skills and also enjoy being a kid. Whatever opportunities come along, I’m grateful for those.”