NORKA
Written by Victor Barreiro Friday, 03 February 2012 00:00
When Norka isn't busy showcasing her amazing vocal skills, you'll find the Venezuelan native at a fashion school, working on yet another achievement and spending time with her family. She's currently celebrating the success of her debut album Milagro, which was released last month and produced by the multi-award winning Emilio Estefan. I recently got candid with the singer who shared her excitement of a Premio Lo Nuestro nod, how attending a Ricky Martin concert changed her life and the man of her dreams.
Congratulations on your Premio Lo Nuestro nomination. What does this nomination mean to you?
Thanks! It means a really big achievement in my career. The first big one I'd say. I am a nominee for a very prestigious music award in a category amongst these female artists that are practically my teachers or idols, like Shakira. I am overwhelmed and looking forward to seeing everyone's jaw drop on that red carpet. I'll win the best-dressed award.
Do you have any idea of what you'll wear to the show?
Oh yeah. I would love to tell you, but I won't (laughs) sorry. I can only say it is Haute Couture. I will look elegant and sensual. I will wear the color of the season. “The new black” is how they call it in Paris, which is where I got the dress and shoes.
Your album was produced by Emilio Estefan. What was it like to work alongside the uber-talented producer?
It was unbelievable at first, then I started to see that it was a reality. It is a constant learning process about producing music, videos and music business. You would think I'd be intimidated or something but, he is an accessible and humble person. I was not scared at all. He let me participate at all times and that was very cool. I am blessed.
Who would you like to collaborate with on your next album?
There are so many. There is one who I would definitely like to collaborate with, he changed my life during a concert of his in the summer of 2007 in Monte-Carlo and that is Ricky Martin. I thank him so much. If it weren't for that show, I might still be in France. His performance on stage helped me make a decision that took me 3 years to make, which was to go for what I wanted and always dreamed of. He brought back that desire that was taken away from me while living a hard life experience. It would be a pleasure to share a song with him.
You are getting ready to do a tour, which includes Miami. Can you tell me what audiences can expect?
Yes, I'm very excited. My next song “Milagro”, is one that everyone will like. It is a song full of hope and happiness, like a “world” song. So is my album. It is a fusion of genres and that is the audience I am targeting, a fusion of people. Whether it's music, ages, sexes, religions or nationalities, the goal is to get everyone together to enjoy music. That's why the song has different versions too like pop, salsa, dance and reggaeton.
You're a sports addict, so which sport would you say is your favorite and why?
Oh, I'm crazy about sports. A sports event for me is a party. I love American Football a lot, as well as basketball and baseball. By the way, I get my season tickets every year for all of those three sports in South Florida, but my favorite of all is tennis. It is such a beautiful sport, one-on-one, elegant yet tough. Those athletes are probably the most dedicated to their career, not that the others aren't, but for them it's year round all over the world. I have many tennis player friends. I also love this sport because I can play it very well! My favorite player and also platonic love is John Isner, the man of my dreams.
Aside from music, you have another passion, cooking. Tell me about that.
I graduated last year with a Diploma of Art in Cooking from The School of Culinary Arts in Fort Lauderdale. I had to do something with the love I have for cooking. I got this passion to cook from living in France. Food is very appreciated in that country. It is their identity card and the science of gastronomy was born over there. Living with a French ex-mother in law, who cooked amazingly on a daily basis, was fascinating and I wanted to learn so bad. Cooking brings people together. Also, cooking helped me appreciate food more when it came to my weight loss. I found many ways to cook delicious food with lower fat, more organic product and just create good healthy recipes, so no one gets bored of eating the same.
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