KATCHAFIRE SINGER'S GIRL TAKES CENTRE STAGE!

Frontman Logan Bell is in awe of rising star Mya-Lee, who's doing things her way

- Debbie Harrison

In the showbiz world, children of performers often get a hard time, labelled as "nepo babies" for seemingly riding on the coattails of their famous parents. But not Kiwi actress Mya-Lee Bell.

"She refuses to lean in!" laughs her dad Logan Bell, who's a founding member and the singer of iconic Kiwi band Katchafire. "I've tried! She has an incredible voice and talent. I'd love her to learn chords and come on stage with us to do backing vocals, but no way!"

Mya-Lee replies, "I don't want to feed off the back of my dad - I want to make my own path."

It's this sense of independence and determination that's guiding the 22-year-old as she steps into the spotlight. The young actress is currently On screen playing Rua, a lead character in the hit Whakaata Māori bilingual drama series Ahikāroa, which is now in its seventh season.

It's a big leap for Mya-Lee. After guest-starring last season, she's now a core cast member, cementing her place as one of Aotearoa's rising acting talents.

"It was a big jump, but I was ready for it," she says. "Rua is fun and young. I love bringing her energy to life."